Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the institute’s upcoming scientific symposium, Professor Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the International Centre of Excellence of IHVN, disclosed that the halt in funding began under the Donald Trump administration when the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) stopped support for HIV vaccine trials.
“I’m afraid the HIV vaccine research has developed a K-leg because of the funding,” Abimiku said. “We were funded by USAID to work on HIV vaccines. That was one of the grants that has since been stopped.”
Abimiku noted that local research is essential because the HIV strains circulating in Nigeria differ from those in South Africa, Kenya, and other regions where most vaccine studies have focused. Without locally generated viral sequences, she warned, Nigeria’s unique strains risk exclusion from international vaccine development.
“If manufacturers say they cannot include our viruses because we don’t have their sequences, we would be left behind. That’s why our researchers are sequencing Nigerian strains to ensure they are included in vaccine development when funding resumes,” she explained.
Despite the financial setback, Nigerian researchers continue to work with partners across Africa, including the University of Cape Town, to ensure representation of local strains in vaccine research. “Until we see the end of the HIV epidemic, we cannot stop,” Abimiku stressed.
The forthcoming symposium, themed “Combating Viral Threats through Public Health Response and Research,” will address broader risks to Nigeria’s health system. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Abimiku said discussions will focus on preparedness for future outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, and Lassa fever.
“Unless we come together to understand the viruses that put us at risk, their patterns, and the policies we need to control them, we will continue to face repeated outbreaks,” she warned.
Dr. Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, also used the opportunity to call for stronger domestic investment in research. He argued that Nigeria cannot continue to rely almost entirely on foreign funding if it is to strengthen its healthcare system and “unlock the healthcare value chain.”
“Research is very key in public health, but the Nigerian government has not committed substantial funding,” Dakum said. “At least 20 percent of government health funding should go into research, especially as international support is shrinking.”
The institute emphasized that while global partnerships remain crucial, Nigeria’s long-term ability to combat viral threats will depend on local investment in science, research, and public health infrastructure.