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The Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Prof Mark T. Gladwin, has praised the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) for its achievements in HIV prevention, treatment, and care in Nigeria.

In a message to the University of Maryland School of Medicine community, the Dean stated that he was particularly impressed with IHVN which is led by shared faculty members: Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer, and Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health; Charles Mensah,  Chief Operating Officer; and Alash’le Abimiku, Professor in the Department of Medicine and Executive Director of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).

“IHVN has partnered with the University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology to screen more than 8 million people in Africa. We currently have 300,000 patients on active therapy in Nigeria alone. We visited sickle cell and oncology programs and discussed how we can leverage our 25 years of partnership with Nigeria to extend our collaborations in hopes of addressing the ‘epidemics’ of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and sickle cell anemia,” he said.

Prof Gladwin visited Nigeria and participated in the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) 2^nd Annual Scientific Symposium. He also visited government officials, the Hon Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, leaders of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and the University of Abuja.

For more information on the Dean’s message, visit Dean’s Message | September 4, 2024 (constantcontact.com)

The Executive Director of the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku is scheduled to participate in the Science Summit at the 79^th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) on 13^th September 2024.

Prof Abimiku will be serving as a panelist in a session, titled “Exploring Novel Solutions for Tracking and Adapting to the Health Impacts of Climate Change in Resource-Constrained Settings” which will focus on addressing the health challenges posed by climate change, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and the innovative approaches required to respond to the crisis.

A press statement shared by the UNGA 79 Science Summit organizers revealed that the session will examine the critical intersections between climate change and health, with a special focus on vulnerable populations.

 “Notable topics will include climate change’s effects on maternal and child health, the role of data science in monitoring, treating, and preventing health impact, and the importance of global collaboration in implementing effective national adaptation strategies,” the statement said.

“Prof Abimiku will join experts including, Anayda Portela from the World Health Organization (WHO), Brad Newsome from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ijeoma Solarin from Wits Planetary Health Research, and Chenfeng Xiong from Villanova University to discuss strategies for climate adaptation and financing mechanisms to support the health sector response to the Climate Crisis,” the statement said.

This session will also showcase how research, data, and international collaboration can accelerate climate action and protect the health of vulnerable communities.

For more information and to register for the event, please check https://sciencesummitunga.com/

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognise “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Olu Alabi, this recognition covers overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership & interpersonal skills, punctuality and adherence to company values and principles amongst others.

For August 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Samuel Adams- Dabban, Temitope Olukomogbon, Shimang Joy, Victoria Igho Adejo, Gyang Samuel Pam, Sambo Yakubu Lodeya, Ayomide Olumefun, Omololu Ogunremi, Ibrahim Fwangmun, Frederick Saiki, Solanke Oladapo Felix, Chinye Dumebi Rosemary, Adebimpe Manuwa, Samuel Akingbesote and Adeogun Temitope, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our August star performers!