By Abujah Racheal
The International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN)
has concluded arrangements to host its second Annual Scientific Symposium at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.
The institute’s Senior Communications Manager, Ms Uzoma Nwofor, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, made available
to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN reports that since its establishment in 2015, the IRCE has been playing pivotal roles in advancing research in Nigeria, leveraging
IHVN’s infrastructure and expertise.
The IRCE’s ongoing efforts include more than 40 funded research grants targeting both infectious and non-infectious diseases, underscoring
the centre’s commitment to address health challenges through high-quality, culturally sensitive research.
Nwofor stated that this year’s event with the theme “Expanding Partnerships in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Cancer Research” is scheduled for
Aug. 14 to Aug. 15, to convene an array of local and international experts to discuss latest advancements in the diagnosis, care, treatment
and innovative research in critical health areas.
She added that “the symposium will feature prominent figures such as Prof. Mark T. Gladwin, the Dean of the University of Maryland School
of Medicine (UMB-SOM), and Prof. Taofeek K. Owonikoko, the Executive Director, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum
Comprehensive Cancer Centre (UMGCCC).
“Both will be accompanied by senior faculty from UMB-SOM, many of whom are actively involved in research initiatives in Nigeria.
“Nigerian experts, including Dr Obi Adigwe, Director-General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD),
and Prof. Obigeli Nnodu, will also share insights alongside representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.”
The senior communications manager also stated that Prof. Gladwin, a leading authourity in pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell disease,
would be a special guest.
“His (Prof. Gladwin) groundbreaking research in hemolysis-associated endothelial dysfunction has significantly advanced the understanding of complications
in sickle cell patients, paving the way for improved treatments.
“He is currently leading a Phase II clinical trial aimed at enhancing blood transfusion techniques to extend survival in sickle cell patients.”
She also noted that Prof. Owonikoko, a Nigerian-born physician specialised in thoracic oncology and translational research, would contribute to the discussions.
“As a key figure in oncology at UMSOM and University of Maryland Medical Centre, his work bridges critical research between the U.S. and Nigeria,” she added.
She quoted IHVN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Patrick Dakum, as emphasising the significance of the symposium in marking IHVN’s 20th anniversary.
“IHVN has made remarkable strides in combating HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria over the past two decades. We are excited to extend our partnership
to other public health challenges like SCD and cancer,” Dakum said.
Nwofor also quoted the institute’s Executive Director, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, who highlighted IHVN’s impact, noting that “this year’s symposium
builds on the foundation laid in the previous year by extending collaborations to SCD and cancer — two health challenges significantly affecting the
black population.”
She stated that the symposium will feature presentations, discussions and exhibitions from industry partners, fostering an environment of
collaboration, aimed at improving healthcare services and research capacity in Nigeria.
Nwofor reiterated that the annual event serves as platform for promoting research on public health issues of both local and global relevance.
NAN
