The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), led by its Executive Management Team, has joined country leaders of the Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (CIHEB) from five African countries for a strategic retreat in Gaborone, Botswana, to strengthen collaboration and align priorities for advancing global health programmes.
The IHVN delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum, alongside the Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, and the Executive Director of the IHVN International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku.
The retreat brought together CIHEB country leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana to reflect on emerging global health challenges, assess programme priorities and strengthen strategic partnerships for more effective health interventions across the participating countries.
Key discussions focused on deepening collaboration with host governments through technical assistance that promotes local ownership of donor-supported health programmes. Participants also emphasised the need for measurable, milestone-driven programme implementation, ensuring that interventions deliver tangible results and remain aligned with agreed objectives.
Another major priority was the promotion of research that addresses local health challenges, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches in developing sustainable solutions to public health concerns.
The meeting further explored the role of participating institutions as active partners in implementing the various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between the United States Government and host countries, with emphasis on strengthening institutional cooperation and translating commitments into practical health outcomes.
The engagement reflects a shared commitment among the participating institutions to support country-led health systems, improve programme accountability and advance research-driven interventions that respond to the specific needs of communities.
The IHVN expressed appreciation to Prof. Man Charurat of the University of Maryland School of Medicine for his leadership and coordination of the strategic engagements, which provided an opportunity for participating country teams to exchange perspectives and strengthen a common approach to global health priorities.
