By Ojoma Akor
The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is set to host a symposium focused on combating viral threats through public health response and research.
The symposium which is geared towards advancing innovative research and improving healthcare outcomes is slated for 8th and 9th September, 2025.
A statement from IHVN said the symposium would attract renowned researchers and public health experts from within and outside Nigeria, and is the third in its series.
Since 2023, IRCE has organized annual symposiums which have focused on themes that highlight research activities addressing key public health challenges such as ‘Expanding partnerships to sickle cell disease and cancer research’ in 2024 and ‘Addressing local health challenges through quality research and partnerships’ in 2023.
IRCE Executive Director, Prof Alash’le Abimiku revealed that this year’s theme on combating viral threats through public health response and research provides a platform for scientists, researchers, policy makers, students, and healthcare providers to gain from insightful plenary and roundtable sessions, research presentations on viral diseases of importance to the Nigerian citizens including Lassa fever, Mpox, hepatitis, and emerging dengue fever amongst other diseases.”
IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum said: “This is a very significant time in our nation, we have experienced COVID-19, we are still tackling HIV, and these viruses can rebound, new viruses can also come up, even viruses that are hitherto not known to cause a problem. Such continued research and surveillance stressed the importance of the scientific and public health community to respond appropriately and thereby enhancing national preparedness for public health emergencies”.
For those seeking to register and submit abstracts, they can visit www.ihvn-irce.org or www.ihvnigeria.org. We are open to receiving individual and group registrations from organizations involved in public health implementation and research.
Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Institute, Dr. Charles Mensah encouraged participation adding “This scientific symposium is for everyone as we will learn what scientific progress is made and how it affects our health so take the time to register. The lessons learned will help Nigeria become healthier. A stronger Nigeria is a better Nigeria where we can all have hope.”
The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria was established to promote public/private partnerships for quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa.
IRCE is committed to excellence in research and collaboration between scientists (both international and local), health care providers, the government of Nigeria and the communities it serves.
