IHV, US varsity to establish 8 research laboratories to cater for HIV/AIDs, TB, others in Nigeria

THE Nigeria-based Institute of Human Virology (IHV) in conjunction with the University of Maryland (USA), on Thursday, disclosed that eight research laboratories would be established in Nigeria to cater for diseases such as HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, cancer and other related deadly diseases.

The Executive Director, IHV, Professor Alash’Le Abimiku, disclose this while on a courtesy call on the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in his office in Abuja.

Professor Abimiku, who then sought for the Federal Government`s support, said a reasonable size of piece of land had been secured for the purpose, pointing out that excavation work was on going in the site currently.

She added that the University of Maryland had shown interest in developing human virology and sciene in Nigeria.

According to her, “twelve years ago, the University of Maryland, USA, where I am, although, a Nigeria started a journey with the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria and there was an attempt to address the issues of HIV/AIDS in both countries, and using funds that were made available by President Bush then for institutions within the western world to work with institutions within the sub-Sahara Africa, where HIV epidemic has been scourging.

“I have the honour of sitting with you at the clinical summit here in April and  I kindly mentioned to you then that the University of Maryland is very interested in developing the capacity of the Institute of Human Virology into science and research; being an academia, that is really what we do.

“Two years ago, I returned back to my country and began to set up the rudimentry of International Centre of Excellence at the Institute of Human Virology, and naturally with your ministry being mandated in science and technology, it is an appropriate institution for us to pay a courtesy call and explain what this centre is supposed to be.

“It is going to be set up in Abuja, we already have a piece of land and they are already doing the excavation. We are intending to set up eight different laboratories with different specifications, in terms of science and innovation and diagnosis.

“We cannot do without your collaboration and cooperation, and with your ministry, we hope to solicit grant and we look forward to working with the resources that are available and synergising with you”, she added.

In his response, Dr. Ogbonnaya who said the ministry appreciated the institute for its decision in tackling the various diseases affecting Nigerians, assuring the institute of Federal Government`s support and assistance.