By Iyemah David
The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) said it is rallying for collaborative efforts to execute the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) project.
IHVN chief executive officer Patrick Dakum, in a statement, declared that the ambitious initiative aims to enhance HIV and tuberculosis prevention and treatment services across the country.
“We all need to work together to give the best services to Nigerians.
“We are confident that as a unified Nigerian team, we can achieve the grant’s goals of preventing and caring for individuals with tuberculosis and HIV, and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Dakum urged sub-recipients to avoid service duplication, emphasising the need for collaboration and alignment at state and local government levels.
“The global community is watching to see whether Nigeria will succeed or not. As principal recipient of the grant, we are committed to providing the best platform for success working under the national guidelines,” he added.
According to him, The GC7 project, spanning from January 2024 to December 2026, prioritises early diagnosis of TB and HIV.
It also focuses on comprehensive care and increased tuberculosis services through public-private partnerships, he added.
Dakum said that the objectives also include expanding HIV testing for pregnant women and strengthening laboratories and supply chain management.
He disclosed that IHVN had enlisted Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Caritas Nigeria, KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation Nigeria and Leprosy & Tuberculosis Relief Initiative, Nigeria (LTR), to boost service delivery.
Also engaged are Damien Foundation Nigeria, the Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), REDAID Nigeria and Stop TB Nigeria.
The groups, he said, are sub-recipients to provide tuberculosis services.
“In the same vein, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), and Society for Family Health (SFH) will be providing comprehensive HIV care services.
“Also, to provide HIV comprehensive care services are the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN),” he added.
He said that the institute would welcome collaboration, leadership, integration and community engagement to achieve the project’s goals and positively impact the health landscape in the country.
