The International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is set to host its second Annual Scientific Symposium on August 14-15 at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.
This event, themed “Expanding Partnerships in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Cancer Research,” will bring together a distinguished group of local and international experts to discuss the latest developments in the diagnosis, care, treatment and research in these critical health areas.
Senior communications manager at IHVN, Ms. Uzoma Nwofor shared details about the symposium in a statement released on Monday in Abuja. Since its establishment in 2015, the IRCE has played a crucial role in advancing research in Nigeria, supported by IHVN’s extensive infrastructure and expertise. The center’s ongoing work includes more than 40 funded research grants focused on both infectious and non-infectious diseases, highlighting its commitment to addressing significant health challenges through high-quality, culturally sensitive research.
The symposium will feature presentations from several prominent figures in the medical and research fields. Among them are Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMB-SOM), Prof. Mark T. Gladwin; Executive director of the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC), Prof. Taofeek Owonikoko. Both were accompanied by senior faculty from UMB-SOM, many of whom are actively engaged in research initiatives in Nigeria. Additionally, Nigerian experts, including director-general of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr. Obi Adigwe and Prof. Obigeli Nnodu will also contribute insights alongside representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.
Gladwin, a renowned authority on pulmonary hypertension and sickle cell disease, will be a special guest at the symposium. His pioneering research on hemolysis-associated endothelial dysfunction has significantly advanced the understanding of complications in sickle cell patients, leading to the development of improved treatments. Currently, he is leading a Phase II clinical trial focused on enhancing blood transfusion techniques to extend survival rates in sickle cell patients.
Owonikoko, a Nigerian-born physician specialising in thoracic oncology and translational research, will also play a key role in the discussions. As a leading figure in oncology at UMSOM and the University of Maryland Medical Centre, Owonikoko’s work bridges critical research efforts between the U.S. and Nigeria, contributing to the global fight against cancer.
IHVN CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum emphasised the importance of this symposium in celebrating 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 partnerships to other public health challenges like SCD and cancer,” Dakum said.
Executive director of IRCE, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku also highlighted the centre’s impact, noting that this year’s symposium builds on the foundation laid in the previous year by expanding collaborations to address SCD and cancer—two health challenges that significantly affect the black population.
The symposium will feature a series of 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 a vital platform for promoting research on public health issues of both local and global relevance, reinforcing IRCE’s role as a leader in the field of medical research in Nigeria.
