Nigeria will bring together leading scientists, policymakers and health experts next month for a symposium aimed at advancing research and public health responses to viral diseases such as Lassa fever, Mpox, hepatitis and emerging threats such as dengue fever.
The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) convener of the symposium deacribed it as a significant boost aimed at improving Nigeria’s healthcare outcomes.
Alash’le Abimiku, IRCE executive director, 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.
Speaking about the symposium, Patrick Dakum IHVN Chief Executive Officer, remarked: “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”
The symposium, the third in its series which will hold on 8th and 9th September, 2025 is expected to attract renowned researchers and public health experts from within and outside Nigeria.
Since 2023, IRCE has organised 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.
Charles Mensah, chief operating officer and managing director of the Institute, encouraged participation saying “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.”
