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IHVN, RSUTH host US Consul General on Visit

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has joined the Rivers State Government in welcoming the US Consul General, Mr. Will Stevens, to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, PortHarcourt on a visit.

IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah said that with funding from the US Government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IHVN has supported the HIV program in the facility to test more than 56,000 people for HIV and enroll more than 1,900 people for antiretroviral treatment from April 2019 to September 2023.

Dr. Mensah noted that the hospital has done excellently in caring for patients and providing accurate data on the HIV program. He thanked the US government for its funding support.

“On behalf of all the patients in this facility who receive HIV services, we thank you for your leadership. Since 2019 when we started providing HIV services in the state, the state government has been supportive. We ask that we are resourced more to enable the facility to do more,” he said.

Mr. Stevens toured the IHVN-supported PCR laboratory in the hospital which supports over 180 health facilities in Rivers and neighboring states with EID and viral load tests. The PCR laboratory analyses close to 3000 samples daily. He also interacted with mothers who have benefitted from the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV services provided at the facility and have HIV-free children.

The US Consul General said that the success of the HIV program in the facility and the state is a result of working together.

“United States is committed to partnering with the continent and working with this beautiful, amazing country to find a path forward on the challenges that face us, in climate change, health issues, and youth unemployment to work on and solve these problems together. I am grateful to be here. I love seeing how we are working together to help save lives,” he said.

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, said that the Rivers State Government appreciates the support of the US government for the support to close significant gaps in the care of people living with HIV/AIDS in Rivers State.

“The impact of this is that having more people know their status, being placed on treatment and with viral load suppression helps in the journey towards destigmatizing the ailment and this is key to the focus on health for all in Rivers State,” she said.

M.Sc. and Post-doctoral Positions

M.Sc. and Postdoctoral Positions

The International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) is a Centre of Excellence established in 2015 by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) to promote public/private partnerships for quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa. IRCE epitomizes the vision of IHVN and its prime position as a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building, and health-related research in West Africa. One of IRCE’s key objectives is to provide training and engage new researchers in its mentorship program. 

IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the position below to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pregnant Women research project.

PositionM.Sc. and Postdoctoral Positions
ProjectCOVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Pregnant Women 
Number of positions M.Sc. (1), Post doc (1)
Location:Jos 
Duration 6 months 

Application Deadline: 12th February 2024. 

Eligibility Criteria:

M.Sc in Psychology/Sociology (1)

• Registered for an M.Sc. in Psychology or Sociology.

• Has completed course work in M.Sc and started, or just completed research work.

• Available for 6 months to work on the project.

• Have some experience with qualitative data collection.

• Able to provide a supervisor’s support letter.

Postdoctoral Candidate, Psychology/Sociology/Public Health (1)

• Ph.D in Psychology or Sociology or Public Health.

• Available for six months to work on the project.

• Have experience with qualitative data analysis.

• Able to provide a supervisor’s support letter.

• Have at least one first authorship publication.

• Have a strong background in conducting literature review.

Project-based Activities

• Participate in patient enrolment and focus group discussions.

• Participate in training on project-specific objectives, transcription, data management and analysis.

• Conduct literature review.

• Compile project-specific reports.

• Participate in project-based meetings.

Mode of Application:

• Submit Curriculum Vitae and a Cover Letter to: 

Sikirat Mohammed ([email protected])
Felicia Okolo ([email protected])

• For inquiries on these positions, call: +2348038070302. +2347036379131

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Program Officer, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health – FCT Regional Office

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 Nigeria’s government 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.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment,

IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the position below:

PositionProgram Officer, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health
Reports toState MNCH Lead/State Manager
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Location: FCT Regional Office

Opening Date: 31/01/2024

Closing Date:  13/02/2024

Description and objectives:

Under the supervision of the State MNCH Lead/State Manager, they will ensure high-quality MNCH 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 MNCH/ART services in the assigned health facility and guide MNCH program implementation according to the National Guidelines.

Responsibilities-he/she will:

  • Facilitate the development and revision of relevant strategies to be incorporated into the PMTCT National strategic plan.
  • Assist in developing program strategies, work plans, and their implementation for effective operations of the hub and spoke model scale-up.
  • Ensure smooth operations and coordination of MNCH activities at the regional and state offices.
  • Forecast and request for MNCH commodities such as Care kits and Mama Packs
  • Co-ordinate, track progress, review results, and address PMTCT challenges
  • Mentor service providers (Doctors, Nurses, Mentor mothers, etc.) to provide quality care to HIV+ pregnant and breastfeeding women
  • Ensure that the facility operates a functional and efficient client flow system
  • Identify barriers to PMTCT and proffer solutions to these challenges
  • Assess and undertake needs assessments of new sites as required
  • Facilitate and coordinate training sessions organized for site healthcare workers
  • Identify implementation bottlenecks across program areas at the site and proffer solutions
  • Work with health facility staff and focal persons and colleagues to effectively address operational challenges (including service logistics, staffing shortages, training needs, and commodity supply)
  • Facilitate and coordinate the Infant Feeding Counseling activities and training of healthcare workers at all IHVN-supported sites
  • Facilitate effective linkages within thematic areas and overall community linkages
  • Facilitate Quality improvement projects, report writing and collation, and data analysis
  • Facilitate and give technical support to facility staff on Cervical cancer screening and treatment.
  • Carry out any other duties/ assignments as directed by supervisors, program area leads, and the Director/HOD of the Prevention Care and Treatment Department
  • Adhere to and abide by the ethics and code of conduct of the Institute

Experience, skills, and competencies

  • At least 2-3 years’ experience with MNCH service provision, including Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT)
  • 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, including PMTCT and cervical cancer screening.
  • Willingness to work in or travel to clinics and hospitals in assigned geographical areas within the State.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in English (oral and written) and good inter and intrapersonal communication and facilitation skills.
  • Proficiency in using 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 organisational 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 and experience

  • Must possess a Certificate as RN/RM or BScN.
  • Postgraduate qualification/master’s level training in Public Health or other related courses will be an advantage.
  • Must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery 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.  

Program Officer, Pharmacy – FCT and Rivers State

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.

To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment,

IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the position below:

PositionProgram Officer, Pharmacy
Reports toState Pharmacy Lead/Pharmacy Manager/State Manager
Scheduled Work TimeMonday – Friday (Flexibility, willing to travel and work weekends)
Location: FCT and Rivers State

Opening Date: 31/01/2024

Closing Date:  13/02/2024

Description and objectives:

Under the supervision of the Pharmacy State Manager/Project Director, he/ she will ensure high-quality pharmacy/logistics services in line with the 95-95-95 UNAIDS goal. He/She will work in close collaboration with the PSM stakeholders at the States to ensure the implementation of all Pharmacy and Supply chain strategies and provide technical guidance for program implementation according to the National Guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities:

  • Mentors the Facility Pharmacists to maintain Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), Pharmaceutical care and Pharmacovigilance.
  • Supports the Facility Pharmacists to prepare and generate bimonthly CRRF reports.
  • In collaboration with the state LMCU, generates and reviews bimonthly last-mile distribution plans and processes.
  • Supports the Facility Pharmacists in closely monitoring prescription patterns, ensuring proper documentation, side effects monitoring (Pharmacovigilance), reducing dispensing errors, etc.
  • Provides regular and routine supportive supervision and mentoring to site staff on dispensing and patient counseling, side effects monitoring, and detection of ADRs.
  • Sensitizes Clinicians and Prescribers on regimen streamlining and any guidance to
  • Ensures proper use and documentation of various Pharmacy tools like Adverse Drug Reporting forms, Logistics inventory tools, Pharmacy SOPs.
  • Supports the implementation of the Community Pharmacy ART program in the State.
  • Closely monitors the KPIs of the Community Pharmacy and ensure the quality service delivery is maintained.
  • Continuous mentoring of the CPs to ensure program implantation according to the SOPs.
  • Deals with site-based issues and liaises with the State Pharmacy lead and Regional Manager.
  • Periodic stock-taking/audit of site stock, in collaboration with the Focal Pharmacists at sites.

Experience, skills, and competencies:

  • He/she must have at least 3 years’ experience in supply chain management of HIV/AIDS medicines and commodities.
  • Must be familiar with the NHLMIS platform and monitoring and interpreting supply chain indicators.
  • Knowledgeable of Pharmacovigilance and the available reporting channels.
  • Experience in the provision of LMIS and Pharmaceutical care training.
  • Must have at least 2 years’ experience with program planning, assessment, and implementation of HIV programs.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 and experience

  • Must possess a degree in a B.Pharm/Pharm D
  • A Postgraduate qualification/Masters level training in Public Health, Pharmacy
  • Must be registered with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria and have evidence of current practicing license.

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.  

Global Fund Awards Nigeria $933 Million to Address HIV, TB, Malaria

The Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate has launched the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 award of $933, 156,931 to Nigeria to address HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria from 2024-2026.

Prof. Pate, also the Chairman of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, unveiled the award in Abuja. He stated that one of the expected results from the grant on HIV is that the country achieves the UNAIDS  95-95- 95 goal of ensuring that  95% of the people who are living with HIV know their HIV status, placing  95% of the people who know that they are living with HIV on life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, and making sure that 95% of people who are on treatment are being virally suppressed by 2025.

“It is a tall order, and we will be very diligent, and we hope there will be no fuzzy numbers. The mandate is also to scale-up of service among all the vulnerable populations and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services using the primary health care system as part of the sector-wide effort.

On tuberculosis, the goal is to increase the case notification rate for all forms of TB from where it is to sustain the current TB success rate beyond the initial target of 90% during this grant period; and to enroll 100% of drug-resistant TB patients on appropriate treatment by 2026. For malaria, the focus will be on improving access and utilization of vector control interventions and ensuring the provision of chemo prevention, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for 80% of the target population,” he said.

The Coordinating Minister called on Principal Recipients of the grant to use the resources judiciously to deliver services.

“This CCM is committing itself to monitor and to have a robust framework for tracking the resources of governmental and non-governmental actors in a transparent manner.  We will ensure it happens because we signed a contract stating we will do that. I want to assure the donors that we will use these resources judiciously.

The grant will be implemented by Principal Recipients, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), National Tuberculosis, Leprosy & Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), Institute for Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

Also at the event, Global Fund representative, Maria Kirova, congratulated the country for the successes recorded in addressing AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.

“I’m pleased also to share with you the news that Nigeria has recorded one of the highest resource utilization rates of Global fund resources in the Grant Cycle 6 – more than 95%. That is a testament to your good work. We have no doubt that with all your leadership, mobilization, commitment, and expertise, the country will continue to drive a successful implementation path forward. I would like to reiterate the Global Fund’s commitment to fully collaborate with the CCM-Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Principal Recipients, and other partners, under the leadership of the honorable Coordinating Minister to ensure a successful implementation of the Grant Cycle 7,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Dr. Patrick Dakum assured the country and the international community of the commitment of the Principal Recipients to program efficiency and financial accountability.

“Our driving force is that at the end of the grant period, the country, the Country Coordinating Mechanism, and the Global Fund will be proud of our efforts. We will work assiduously to deliver the required services to Nigerians. As Principal Recipients, our role is to ensure that the sub-recipients deliver HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria services with accountability,” he said.

Representatives from bilateral, and multilateral partners, the United Nations, the US Government,  international non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the legislature participated in the launch of the Global Fund GC7 grant.