To enhance the strategy for combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS is looking to establish a collaboration with the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan in Oyo state, focusing on research initiatives and funding opportunities.

During a recent visit to the university, Dr. Temitope Ilori, the Director General of NACA, highlighted this forthcoming partnership.

NACA’s 2023 data indicates that approximately 1.8 million individuals across Nigeria are living with HIV, with around 1.63 million already receiving vital Antiretroviral Therapy. This collaboration aims to strengthen efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS through research, grants, and cooperation between the agency and the academic institution.

Ilori mentioned, “I know that the College has been supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS especially with outstanding research, and treatment.

“We are here to learn from you and how we can collaborate. NACA is responsible for the multi-sectoral collaboration on HIV/AIDS in the country, and we have been collaborating with religious leaders, Traditional Birth Attendants. We are also working with key populations like sex workers, and men having sex with men, among others.

“So, we are looking at doing all these in the next coming month and collaborating with the University of Ibadan. This partnership becomes more pertinent when we know that as we speak, Nigeria, unfortunately, has the highest global burden of children born with HIV/AIDS, so, we really need to work very hard at the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of the disease and that’s why it is one of our priority areas.”

Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, Provost of the College, expressed openness to partnering with the agency due to the institution’s research capabilities and ability to secure grants.

He emphasized the critical importance of research grants for any institution’s longevity, citing their vital role in enabling research, findings, and overall ranking.

The Provost highlighted that collaboration with the agency could enhance the institution’s grant-seeking capabilities, ultimately bolstering both parties’ research efforts and facilitating the advancement of knowledge and innovation in their respective fields.

He pinpointed , that research grants are key to the survival of any institution, especially in findings, research, and ranking, stating, “At the college, we are filled with researchers and people with brilliant minds. A lot of the equipment we use comes from research grants and one of the things research grants does is that it helps with internalisation.

“When you talk about AIDS research, here at the College of Medicine, a lot of people, including the old and new generations, have done lots of excellent work particularly as it relates to HIV,” she stated.

Prof. Omigbodun also revealed that the college was recently awarded a five-year grant starting on April 1st, 2024 and ending on December 31st, 2028.

Moreover, she emphasized that the institution’s global exposure could provide valuable resources for mentorship and other areas where the agency might require assistance.

This global reach and experience would not only benefit the agency’s research and operations but also enable it to tap into the college’s established networks and resources, resulting in a mutually beneficial partnership for both parties.