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Monthly Archives: June 2023

IHVN Joins VERDI Consortium MPox Research Project

The 2022 MPox (monkeypox) pandemic has brought a Nigerian and West/Central African endemic disease to global attention. As a result, new international collaborations were created and scientists across the world began to work towards a better understanding of mpox and its impact on all populations.  While the global outbreak outside Africa largely affected men who have sex with men, in African countries, children and pregnant women are at particular risk.  The European Union-funded VERDI Consortium comprises nearly 30 teams of researchers from 16 countries in Europe, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia (https://verdiproject.org/consortium/).

Given its track record of impactful infectious disease research, the International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) was invited to join the VERDI consortium in 2022.

IRCE-IHVN has a VERDI sub-award to contribute Nigerian data to a global pediatric mpox registry, conduct qualitative studies on mpox in the Nigerian context, and to develop research tools and a master protocol for an observational study of mpox among pregnant women in Nigeria.

This study seeks to preempt future infectious disease outbreaks by consolidating pandemic preparedness measures. The VERDI country Principal Investigator for Nigeria is Dr. Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Senior Research Faculty at the International Research Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria. Other members of the VERDI Nigeria team, include Chinye Osa-Afiana, Chibueze Adirieje, Esekwe Amadosi, Karima Yusufu, Adeyosola Adetunji, and Ifeoluwa Afolabi.

Program Officer, Prevention Care and Treatment

Introduction

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

Position Program Officer
Reports to: Technical Lead/Project Director Rivers Surge Project
Location: Rivers State

Opening Date: 20th June 2023

Closing Date: 4th July 2023

Description and objectives

Under the supervision of the Project Director Rivers State Surge project, he/ she will ensure high-quality HIV and tuberculosis (TB) services in line with the 95-95-95 UNAIDS goal. She/He will provide technical expertise in implementing high-impact interventions to ensure quality service delivery across all program areas. She/He will lead the day-to-day implementation of all ART services in the assigned health facility and guide program implementation according to the National Treatment Guidelines.

Responsibilities:

  • Performing Quality Improvement and program evaluation, monitoring, and administrative support
  • Providing Quality of Care assessment and ensuring that patients in health facilities receive comprehensive care and treatment according to recommended guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Bridging the “know-do gap” in the program implementation site across all thematic areas.
  • Working with health facility staff and focal persons and colleagues to effectively address operational challenges (including service logistics, staffing shortages, training needs, and commodity supply)
  • Identifying implementation bottlenecks across program areas at the site and proffer solutions
  • Ensuring strong linkages within the ART program at the site level, e.g., between HIV Counseling Testing Areas and Clinic, Laboratory, and Clinic, referral between the PMTCT and the Adult Clinic, referral between TB and ART clinic
  • Establishing measures to assess the impact of our program in the community.
  • Provide on-site clinical training to healthcare workers on HIV treatment according to the National Guidelines for managing adult and pediatric ART, treatment of tuberculosis, and other opportunistic infections.
  • Facilitating Quality Improvement projects, report writing and collation, and data analysis.
  • Reporting all activities to the State Technical Leads, Program Area leads, and Director Prevention Care and Treatment Department.
  • Carrying out any other duties/ assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department.

Experience, Skills, and Competencies

  • At least 3-5 years’ experience with clinical HIV and AIDS care, including the provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART)
  • Must have at least two years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of HIV clinical care programs. Experience in the provision of HIV clinical training.
  • Previous experience in HIV-related operational research is an advantage.
  • Good knowledge of current trends and normative guidance (national and international) in HIV clinical care and service delivery
  • Experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary HIV clinical teams for effective service delivery.
  • Willingness to travel to clinics and hospitals in assigned geographical areas within the State.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing, data evaluation, and excellent report writing.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
  • Excellent persuasive skills, and good stakeholders’ management track record.
  • Fundamental skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Must be proactive and deliver quality work on time.
  • Be willing and able to work effectively in a team.

Educational Qualification and Experience

  • Must possess a degree in Medical Sciences (MBBS or equivalent).
  • Postgraduate qualification/Master’s level training in Public Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Obstetrics will be an advantage.
  • Must be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria

Equal employment opportunity statement

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address:[email protected]

Invitation to Bid for the Auction of Unserviceable Guest House Items

Invitation to Bid for the Auction of Unserviceable Guest House Items

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.

IHVN is calling for participation in an auction of unserviceable items from its guest house. The items for auction are:

S/NoDescription Quantity
1Bedroom Fridge4 pcs
2Fridge (LG)1 pc
3Outdoor Air Conditioners15 pcs
4Window Unit Air Conditioner1pc
5Indoor Air Conditioners12 pcs
6Standing Panasonic Air Conditioner1 pc
7Guest House Generator1pc
8Beddings & Curtains12 cartons
9Curtains Holder1 carton
10CRT Television5 pcs
11LG Plasma Television2pcs
12Big Plasma Television (LG)1pc
13Dining chairs6pcs
14Glass Center Table1pc
15Glass-side Table4pcs
16Dinning glass top1pc
17Center Table  1pc
18Centre Rug1pc
19Water dispenser1pc
20Gas Cooker1pc
21Washing machine1pc
22Dryer1pc
23Mirror6pcs
24Mattress5pcs
25Reception Table Part & Desk PC 
26Room 8 bed parts 
27Bedside9 pcs
28Side Drawer5pcs
29Single Seat1pc

GENERAL REQUIREMENT

Aside the standard procurement requirements, please find below conditions of the disposal,

  1. Items on disposal are bought “as they are” without any liability to the institute. 
  2. Sealed bids are to be submitted to the procurement unit specifying the quantity, type and price of items bided for. 
  3. The bid envelope should be boldly marked “unserviceable items”. 
  4. Bid period is for ten (10) working days. 
  5. At the expiration of the bid period, all bids will be opened by a representative of the procurement unit with representatives of administration and compliance units in attendance. 
  6. Highest bidder wins the bid, but IHVN staff shall be accorded priority on bids if his/her bid tallies with that of an outsider and winners will be communicated by the Administrative Department.
  7. Bid winners are to make payment within 48 hours to designated account, failure which the item(s) shall be offered to the next highest bidder and so on and so forth.
  8. All items are based in Lagos. 
  9. Multiple bids from the same bidder would be disqualified.
  10. A bid report will be submitted to the Executive Management through the Director Finance and Administration.

SUBMISSION OF BIDS

Interested persons should submit their bids in sealed envelope boldly marked at the top left

corner:-

“BID FOR AUCTION OF UNSERVICEABLE ITEM(S)’’

and addressed to: –

Deputy Director SCM/Procurement

Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria

IHVN Campus, 6th Floor, Cadastral Zone COO

Plot 62, after BAZE University, Off CITEC Road, Abuja-NIGERIA.

Tel: +234 (0) 9 4610342.

Opening Date/ Time: 12/07/2023         10:00 am

Closing Date/ Time: 26/07/2023         10:00 am

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Nothing in the advert shall be construed to be a commitment on the part of the Institute.

At the expiration of the bid period, all bids will be opened by a representative of the Procurement Unit with representatives of Administration and Compliance Units in attendance.

The successful persons(s) will be notified formally.

Project Manager, CTB DRTB

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

The TB-LON 3 Project is a USAID-funded Award that is a revolutionary program working with communities, facilities, and relevant State and National structures to improve access to tuberculosis (TB) case finding, diagnosis, treatment, and notification in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Oyo States; as well as increase domestic financing for TB and strengthen surveillance and integrated reporting across four Result areas:

  1. Improved access to high-quality, person-centered TB treatment, DR-TB, and TB/HIV services for a cumulative number of at least 106,576 persons for the life of the activity
  2. Strengthened systems and structures for TB detection, treatment, and notification with improved TB service delivery.
  3. TB disease transmission and progression reduced.
  4. TB research and innovations accelerated with improved impact on program implementation.

The TB-LON 3 Project is implemented by a consortium with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria as the Prime Recipient, Society for Family Health as the Sub-Recipient, and other Implementing Entities.

To drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

Position Program Manager Childhood and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PM CTB/DRTB)
Reports to: The Chief of Party,TB-LON 3 Project
Location: Lagos State

Opening Date: 16/06/2023
Closing Date: 30/06/2023

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Technical Programs, the Program Manager Childhood and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (PM, CTB/DRTB) for the USAID TB-LON 3 project will be responsible for the technical content of CTB/DRTB service delivery across the continuum of clinical and community care, from case finding to cure. She/He will provide technical expertise in high-impact CTB/DRTB interventions and their integration into established service delivery systems within public and private sector health service providers. S/he will lead the day-to-day implementation of CTB/DRTB activities for the Project, design, and guide interventions, develop key technical partnerships, oversee and conduct technical training, represent the project in technical meetings, and ensure documentation and dissemination of CTB/DRTB best practices from the Project.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop/adapt the technical content of CTB/DRTB service delivery, encompassing the continuum of clinical and community TB care and capacity-building tools, guidelines, SOPs, and other policy documents.
  • Provide technical support, including capacity building to State TB Program Staff and existing Project staff in improving MDR/XDR-TB case detection and management.
  • Coordinate and monitor the progress of programmatic Management of Drug-resistant TB, including but not limited to active case finding, contact management, TB/HIV, TB infection control, patient support, TB logistics management, treatment response monitoring, and monthly program reviews through MDR-TB Concilium of expert review.
  • Support the expert DR-TB committees and TB technical, strategic working group meetings to address policy, technical and programmatic gaps in MDR-TB diagnosis, treatment, and infection control.
  • Coordinate the cascade of care for CTB/DR-TB, including prevention services, case finding interventions, quality diagnostic services and case holding, referrals, and linkage support services.
  • Develop innovative strategies and activities for improving the impact of TB-LON 3 CTB/DRTB activities.
  • Coordinate with the NTBLCP, STBLCPs, and other stakeholders to determine all capacity-building needs for CTB/DR-TB and identify suitable opportunities to deploy appropriate resources to meet these needs.
  • Work in close collaboration with the FMOH, SMOH, NTBLCP, STBLCP, USAID, and other stakeholders on the identification of technical assistance required to achieve the expected outcomes for CTB/DRTB for the TB-LON 3 Project as a whole and for specific State targets as well.
  • Provide mentoring and supervision to the CTB/DR-TB activities of the TB-LON 3 State Teams.
  • Prepare, update, analyze, and interpret the CTB/DR-TB care cascade and performance data daily, weekly, monthly, and as required; troubleshoot solutions for improving the quality of care and achieving project targets and objectives for CTB/DR-TB.
  • Keep the Project Leadership informed of progress, constraints, and other issues regularly and assist with identifying appropriate responses.
  • Coordinate development of training curricula, standards operating procedures (SOPs) and oversee training on CTB/DRTB
  • Represent IHVN in presenting periodic reports to USAID and other key stakeholders through meetings, conferences, etc.
  • Produce weekly and monthly project updates and reports and monthly activity plans for CTB/DRTB.
  • Champion and facilitate the achievement of program targets at the TB-LON 3 country office.
  • Any other function that the COP and IHVN Executive Management may assign.

Experience, skills, and competencies

  • At least seven (7) years of experience working with TB programs at various levels.
  • At least five (5) years of experience implementing CTB/DRTB activities.
  • Experience in building capacity at individual and organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of CTB/DRTB guidelines and policies.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in the English language (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages, presentation skills, and video conferencing are required.
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in program narrative and proposal writing, data evaluation, and excellent report writing.
  • Ability to work under pressure to meet organizational targets/goals.
  • Excellent persuasive skills, and good stakeholders’ management track record.
  • Fundamental skills in project planning, implementation, and monitoring.
  • Must be proactive and deliver quality work on time.
  • Be willing and able to work effectively in a team.

Educational qualifications

  • Must possess a degree in Medical Sciences (MBBS or equivalent).
  • Postgraduate qualification/master’s level training in Public Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Obstetrics will be an advantage.
  • Must be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria

Equal employment opportunity statement

IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Mode of Application:

  • Application letter and detailed curriculum vitae in Microsoft Word format should be forwarded to the Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address:[email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • This advert closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

US Lauds Institute’s Public Health Services Efforts

Picture above: L-R IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah; IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum; Representative of IHVN Board Chair, Prof Emeritus Umaru Shehu, his son, Mr. Mahumud Shehu; IHVN Co-Founder, Prof William Blattner; Board Director Sir Steve Omojafor; US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Ralph Olson; USCDC Country Director, Dr Mary Boyd and Executive Director International Research Center of Excellence, Prof Alash’le Abimiku cutting the commissioning cake.

The United States Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Rolf Olson, has commended the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) for its years of commitment in improving the health of Nigerians.
Mr Olson said this during the official commissioning of the IHVN Campus consisting of a seven- story twin tower in Abuja. “The work you do here not only protects the health of the people of Nigeria but people around the region,” he said.

He re-iterated the US government’s commitment towards impacting the health of Nigerians in a positive way, strengthening health security and establishing Nigeria as a leader in public health science.

“The US government’s current sub-Saharan Africa strategy reiterates our commitment to health security in the region, and through our agencies like CDC, we are able to work toward the vision of a world where people live healthier, safer, and longer lives. CDC’s mission is to protect and improve health globally through science, policy, partnership, and evidence based public health action. These actions, driven by science and data, are a core component of the US government’s global health diplomacy efforts in Nigeria,” he added.

Picture above: Board Director Sir Steve Omojafor, officially opening the IHVN Campus, a seven story twin tower in Abuja; he is flanked to the left by USCDC Country Director, Dr. Mary Boyd, IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku and Board Director Ms Josephine Tapgun; to the right are, Board Director, Dr. Umaru Mutallab, IHVN Co-founder and His Wife Prof William Blattner & Mrs Diane Blattner, Board Director, Mr. Foluso Phillips and IHVN CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum.

Also at the event, IHVN Board Chair, Prof Emeritus Umaru Shehu, said that the commissioning of the IHVN Campus gives hope that, “we can curb today’s emerging diseases of public health concern.
The Board Chair whose speech was delivered by Board Director, Sir Steve Omojafor, said that the campus facilities would inspire young scientists to develop and execute research projects under the mentorship of more experienced investigators.

“I predict that with facilities such as the ones you find on this campus, Nigeria will soon become the destination for medical tourism, clinical diagnostics, treatment and care for people with infectious and non-infectious diseases.”

The campus has a biorepository with liquid nitrogen facilities, a genomic resource center, clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, chemistry &hematology, and microbiology laboratories as well as a Clinical Trials Unit
According to IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, these facilities ”will be a home for conducting clinical trials that specifically state how vaccines or drugs work in our population and the adverse effects observed.”

The event was witnessed by guests from the University of Maryland Baltimore, Co-founder of IHVN, Prof. William Blattner, representatives of government agencies, implementing partners, beneficiaries of projects, the private sector, public health experts, media amongst others.