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As the world commemorates World AIDS Day 2024, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has urged stakeholders to collaborate to sustain investment and innovative approaches to addressing AIDS by 2030.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum made this call at a press conference in Abuja organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to kick off the commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024.

Dr. Dakum, who was represented by the Project Director of the Global Fund N-THRIP project, Dr. Olayemi Olupitan said, “World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme, ‘Take the Rights Path: Sustain the HIV Response and Stop HIV among Children to End AIDS in Nigeria by 2030’ resonates deeply with our mission of promoting health equity and ensuring access to life-saving prevention, care, and treatment services for HIV and associated diseases. Our work has consistently focused on delivering patient-centered solutions, strengthening health systems, and reducing stigma and discrimination in communities.”

The CEO also noted that collective action will ensure a healthier, more equitable Nigeria.

While addressing the press at the event, NACA Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori said that despite the country’s progress in combating HIV, prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and pediatric HIV coverage remains below 33%.

“Following comprehensive data analysis in 2021, we joined the international initiative and developed the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in Children. The plan is fully resourced, yet coverage continues to fall short. To address this, the Honourable Minister of State for Health recently established a national-level acceleration committee to track implementation,” she said.

Dr. Ilori called on Nigerians to join hands to break the stigma, embrace equity, drive collective action and stop HIV among children.

“We must empower every individual, especially women who are most vulnerable to contracting HIV and other vulnerable populations, to access life-saving services and live with dignity.”

Partners represented a the event include UNAIDS, US Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN), Association of Women Living with HIV (ASWHAN), Society for Family Health (SFH) and FHI 360.  

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) recently joined family, friends, and well-wishers to bid farewell to Hon. Josephine Yinoe Tapgun, a cherished member of the IHVN Board, who passed away on 3rd November 2024.

The wake mass and funeral service in her honour were held at St Fimbars Catholic Church Rayfield, Jos, on November 14th and 15th, 2024, respectively.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrick Dakum, who was represented at the event by IHVN Director Program Coordinating Unit, Dr. Yusuf Baba Oche, and IHVN Jos Regional Manager Mr. Timzing Miri-Dashe, conveyed the condolences of the Institute’s Board and Management to her family.

 Her family’s representative, Ambassador Sir Fidelis Tapgun, former Governor of Plateau State, expressed their gratitude to the Institute. He also thanked everyone who attended the ceremony and called for continued prayers for the family.

The event highlighted the Late Hon. Tapgun’s life of service and love and her positive impact on countless lives. Both the Plateau State Government Deputy Governor, Ms. Josephine Piyo, and the representative of the Plateau State Traditional Council, The Long-Gomai of Shendam, His Royal Highness Martins Shaldas, expressed sadness over her passing and noted that it was a loss to Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

Hon. Tapgun was widely respected for her unwavering commitment to humanity. As an IHVN Board Director, she was instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to improve healthcare and empower communities across Nigeria.