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IRCE Begins 2nd Annual Scientific Symposium

Experts on Sickle Cell Disease and Cancers have converged to exchange ideas and promote collaborative efforts at the 2ND Annual Scientific Symposium of the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE).

At the two-day symposium, the Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA, Dr. Mark Gladwin, said that Nigeria has the most babies born with Sickle Cell Disease than any country of the world.

Dr Gladwin, an expert in Sickle Cell Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension, added that “Often, Sickle Cell Disease is put on lower priority than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis because Africa faces many infectious health challenges. In the same way that we see that HIV is controlled with medications, medications are being developed for sickle cell. What is important is to identify a baby with sickle cell early.”

He recommended the use of hydroxyurea to reduce the damaging effects of sickle cell on organs and prevent complications that may occur in adulthood.

“Hydroxyurea has a very big effect. It improves survival and reduces painful attacks and organ damage. It is not a cure but it makes a significant impact,” the Dean said.

He noted that with the progress of science, more new therapies are being developed for sickle cell disease.

Dr. Gladwin said that the University of Maryland ‘s long standing partnership with Nigeria through the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in HIV, tuberculosis and malaria will be leveraged upon to address non-communicable diseases like cancer, hypertension and sickle cell disease.

Earlier, IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum welcomed both local and international experts to the symposium and said that the Institute is expanding its partnerships among public, private and faith-based organizations.

“In terms of partnerships, ever since we started in 2024, we engaged both the public and private sector. In terms of the grants that we are currently implementing with several actors, we are seeking partnerships with both local and international institutions,” Dr Dakum said.

IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku expressed optimism that the meeting will foster relationships to drive scientific innovation and progress. She said the center will continually strive to be “a fertile ground for discovery, collaboration and development of young talents, while promoting ethical conduct of research for the benefit of local and international communities.”

IHVN Celebrates July Employees of the Month

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 July 2024, IHVN Celebrates, Zayyan Bello, Temitope Olukomogbon, Judith Arachie, Adeyemo Adeyemi, Chieme Ogumka, Chigozie Ezinne Nwafor, Nakom Kefas, Pantong Gershon Daskyakar, Fredrick Saiki, Yop Tenmang, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Three hearty cheers to our July star performers!

IRCE-IHVN Set to Host Symposium on Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease

The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is set to host its 2nd Annual Scientific Symposium on “Expanding Partnerships to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Cancer Research” from August 14th to 15th at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.

The two-day event will feature extensive presentations and discussions on health research in sickle cell disease and cancer and will include the diagnosis, care, treatment, and innovative applied research. The two-day symposium will bring together local and international experts such as the Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMB-SOM), Prof. Mark T. Gladwin, and Executive Director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC), Prof. Taofeek K. Owonikoko who are accompanied by several senior faculty from UMB-SOM already involved in research activities in Nigeria.

Nigerian experts such as Dr. Obi Adigwe DG NIPRD, Prof Obigelli Nnodu and Dr. Paul Jibrin from AUTH, Dr Tola Adewole from NSIA, and several representatives from pharma and industry will also participate as speakers. Industrial partners will also have exhibitions booths.

Special Guest at the symposium, Dean Gladwin is an expert in pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell disease (SCD), Prof Gladwin’s research identified a novel disease mechanism, named hemolysis-associated endothelial dysfunction that brought attention to the resistance to nitric oxide in patients with diseases like sickle cell and, malaria. His studies on hemolysis-associated endothelial dysfunction have enabled the clinical and epidemiological characterization of a human disease syndrome known as hemolysis-associated pulmonary hypertension which poses a significant risk to patients with sickle cell anemia. He is currently heading a Phase II clinical trial, conducted across 22 sites in France, Brazil, and the U.S which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel blood transfusion technique that utilizes the patient’s blood to improve outcomes and extend survival in patients with sickle cell disease.

Nigerian-born Prof. Taofeek K. Owonikoko is a distinguished physician and scientist with a specialty in thoracic oncology and translational research. Prof. Owonikoko is the lead oncologist for the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

IHVN CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum pointed out that “this year also marks a significant milestone for IHVN as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades, IHVN has made remarkable strides in HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria through its two centers – the Center for Public Health Implementation (CPHI) and IRCE; and through strategic collaborations with the government of Nigeria, UMB-SOM and Institute of Human Virology (IHV) Baltimore- IHVN’s initial parent institution, and other institutions. We are excited to continue to extend such fruitful partnership to other key public health diseases such as SCD and Cancer.”

IRCE Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku said that since 2016, IRCE has leveraged on CPHI’s extensive programmatic experience and infrastructure to advance IHVN’s research agenda. It’s state of the art core laboratories, biorepository, clinical trial unit, and core of well-trained research staff have facilitated the conduct of ethically and culturally acceptable high-quality research, thus enabling the institution to provide data and evidence required to improve health care and ensure pandemic preparedness.

IRCE is one of the centers at IHVN. It was established in 2015 to promote public/private partnerships for quality research with capacity building. IRCE has been pivotal in pioneering innovative research toward improving healthcare services and building research capacity among young Nigerian investigators. The Center is implementing more than 40 funded research grants in infectious and non-infectious diseases in Nigeria to address local and global health challenges.

According to Prof Abimiku, “This second IRCE symposium builds on the first which was held last year, focused on ‘Addressing Local Health Challenges through Quality Research and Partnerships’ by extending collaboration to two important health challenges that targets the black population – SCD and Cancers. The symposium will be held yearly as an avenue to promote research on issues of public health relevance to Nigeria and the world and will continue to involve the government, research institutions, and our private and industry partners,”

Senior Program Officer, Program Monitoring and Reporting – Ogun

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 Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a reputable and esteemed non-governmental organization that provides care and support services, research, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and capacity building for infectious and non-infectious diseases like HIV, TB, and cancer. IHVN collaborates with national, state, and local governments in Nigeria as well as with regional and worldwide organizations. The ACTION to Sustain Precision and Integrated HIV Response towards Epidemic Control (ASPIRE) project is implemented by IHVN with funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) to reduce mortality of people living with HIV (PLHIV) by providing HIV testing services; Strengthening laboratory capacity to achieve quality and sustained clinical management for HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, SAR-COV 2 and non-communicable disease (NCDs). 

IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:

PositionSenior Program Officer, Program Monitoring and Reporting
Reports toDirector Strategic Information
DepartmentStrategic Information
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
LocationOgun

Opening Date: 7th August, 2024

Closing Date: 20th August, 2024

Position Overview

S/He will provide technical support and oversight for the implementation of Strategic Information activities in the organization to ensure program targets are met.  Implement and ensure data quality and best practices in data management processes from data collection, collation, reporting and use at different levels. Ensure the use of standard tools and indicators required in the program. Promote health system strengthening activities at all levels. Collaborate with the Government of Nigeria agencies to conduct monitoring and evaluation activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Monitor collection, collation, analysis, reporting and use of data.
  • Ensure completeness, correctness and consistency of all program reports.
  • Provide technical guidance to state and facility staff on indicators, reporting and data quality issues.
  • Support the routine use of data at supported states, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and facilities through gap analyses and run charts.
  • Participate in the development and periodic review of program reporting protocols.
  • Participate in development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Program Monitoring and Reporting.
  • Improve decision-making processes through promotion of data utilization for program planning, evaluation, and policy advocacy.
  • Generate all program reports including ad hoc reports, routine program reports and USAID quarterly, semi-annual and annual progress reports.
  • Archive all reports received from facilities/LGAs.
  • Ensure reporting tools, standard monitoring and evaluation indicators are utilized for consistency in measurement.
  • Participate in the development of Performance Monitoring Plans and Monitoring & Evaluation plans.
  • Promote health system-strengthening activities through capacity building of government health workers and continuous quality improvement exercises.
  • Engage actively in Technical Working Group meetings with Government of Nigeria stakeholders and other implementing partners for improved service delivery.
  • Coordinate periodic data quality assessments and track implementation of recommendations from the exercise to promote accountability, transparency and impact.
  • Generate regular gap analysis to show program/ state progress towards achieving set targets.
  • Ensure proper feedback mechanism on data quality of indicator reports.
  • Strengthen national reporting lines at supported health facilities.
  • Oversee data reporting on MATS App, GxAlert/Aspect software’s, DHIS platforms.
  • Prepare and validate retirement documents for payment of all program activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Strategic Information.
  • Participate in data processes from collection, collation, analysis, reporting and use.
  • Participate in health system strengthening activities
  • Assist in generating regular gap analysis to show site progress towards achieving set targets.
  • Provide regular on-site supervision and mentoring on monitoring and evaluation processes and tools
  • Participate in periodic data quality assessments at IHVN supported sites
  • Participate in all HMIS processes in the state
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the head of unit, Strategic Information

Required competencies:

  • Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, methods, tools and guidelines.
  • Knowledge of USG funded monitoring and evaluation programs
  • Knowledge of the reporting framework for Tuberculosis including indicator definitions
  • Knowledge of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme Recording and Reporting tools.
  • Ability to perform complex data analytics utilizing Microsoft Excel, STATA, and/or Business Intelligence tools, making recommendations based on findings.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
  • Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form.
  • Report writing and presentation skills.
  • Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications especially Excel and Access
  • Team player with ability to work with minimal supervision.

Education and Experience:

  • A minimum of master’s degree in public health, epidemiology, monitoring & evaluation, demography, biostatistics, statistics, analytics or a related field is required.
  • Minimum of 5 years working experience in relevant field.
  • Experience in data collection, data management processes, data use and demand.
  • Experience with Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programs or related health service programs; experience working with Tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment and/or impact mitigation programs in the West African context is desirable.
  • Experience with the USAID and Global Funds Strategic Information system is highly desirable.

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.