More than 200 experts from the Federal and State Ministries of Health, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and funders have reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing the integration of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV programs across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
This commitment was reinforced during a five-day National Boot Camp hosted by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) in Lagos State. The camp focused on discussing the integration of TB and HIV services to enhance healthcare delivery under the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7.
The experts reached a consensus to harmonize service delivery and reporting across TB and HIV implementers nationwide, with plans to evaluate progress at three and six-month intervals.
Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, IHVN Director of Programs – Special Projects, emphasized, “Integration increases the impact of interventions. It makes us more effective in implementation. As a Principal Recipient of the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 project, IHVN is working under the leadership of the Directorate of Public Health, National Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), National AIDS and STD Control Program (NASCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to bolster Nigeria’s response to the epidemics of tuberculosis and HIV in the public and private sectors and the community.”
The Boot Camp featured engaging break-out and brainstorming sessions on the treatment and care cascade for HIV and TB, monitoring and evaluation requirements, and TB/HIV health and non-health product management. Additionally, guidelines and standard operating procedures were developed for HIV Testing Services among presumed pregnant women outside conventional health facilities.
Key attendees included the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike; the Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu; Representative of the Health Commissioners Forum, Hon. Commissioner of Health for Kwara State, Dr. Amina M. Ahmed El-Imam; and representatives from the Global Fund, PEPFAR, USAID, UNAIDS, UNODC, the Network of People Living with HIV (NEPWHAN), and the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). These leaders called for collective action and the support of all stakeholders in achieving TB and HIV integration and building sustainable and resilient health systems.
IHVN Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director, Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah speaking at the National Booth Camp on HIV/TB integration hosted by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) A cross-section of stakeholders at the booth camp in Lagos StateDirector of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike addressing stakeholders at the five-day booth camp.
When Ms. Prisca Peter, a 34-year-old single mother residing in Lagos State, Nigeria, started feeling ill in November 2023, she went to the nearby chemist to buy over-the-counter drugs including cough syrup. However, the medications did not alleviate the weakness, fever, loss of appetite, drenching night sweats, constant cough, and drastic weight loss she experienced.
Her condition deteriorated such that she was unable to walk or continue her work as a cleaner in a hotel. The Good Samaritan who came to her rescue was Mr. Sunday Michael, a TB survivor and advocate. Sunday was diagnosed and treated for tuberculosis in Ori-Okuta Primary Health Center Ikorodu LGA, and he referred her to the same facility in January 2024.
Mr. Michael said, “I noticed she was coughing badly, I asked her some questions and noticed she had almost the same symptoms I had, so I decided to take her to the health center I went to for my treatment and proper care.”
The USAID TB LON 3 project which the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) implements, supports screening and treatment for tuberculosis in 2,197 facilities and Ori-Okuta Primary Health Center is one of the supported facilities.
At the hospital, Prisca was screened for tuberculosis and identified as a presumptive TB case. Afterward, her sputum was collected for evaluation, and she was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) disease. She immediately commenced treatment and took her medications as prescribed.
“Immediately I was told that the sickness could be cured, I didn’t doubt it. I was tired of buying over-the-counter medications and still not getting well. I thought I would even die. I even wondered who would care for my children if something happened to me,” she said.
The USAID TB-LON 3 project also conducted contact tracing. Her four children aged 12, 10, 8, and 5 years were screened for TB and they were all identified as presumptive tuberculosis cases. Upon evaluation of the samples, two of them tested positive for tuberculosis and have been placed on treatment while the other two are receiving free tuberculosis prevention therapy with support from the USAID TB-LON 3 project.
USAID TB LON 3 Community Mobilization Advisor, Dr. Alege said, “Survivors of TB are a key part of our demand creation model as they’re often able to convince newly diagnosed persons who are yet to start treatment through their experiences. This model has been largely successful as the survivors’ point of view is usually more relatable to clients. The survivors on the other hand are more than willing to support healthcare workers in gratitude for saving their lives. Over time, TB survivors are also engaged as community volunteers to support those whose livelihood might have been negatively impacted by the disease condition.”
Prisca and her children are recovering. “If I was to pay money for the treatment, I wouldn’t have been able to afford it. I want to thank your organization for the free treatment. I also want to tell anyone who doesn’t want to take the drugs to know that it is for their good. The drug works well and makes you strong again,” she said.
She promised to be a tuberculosis advocate in her community like Sunday who referred her to the facility and supported her when she could not walk to the facility to collect her medications.
The USAID/Nigeria Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TB-LON 3) project is a five-year project to scale up tuberculosis services and find missing TB cases. It started in April 2020 and is engaging stakeholders in strengthening a resilient system for sustainable TB control in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states. As of March 2024, 103,900 tuberculosis cases were identified, notified, and are undergoing treatment.
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through the provision of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, and care and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at national, state and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to be a leader in providing quality health services, capacity building and research in West Africa and beyond.
The TB-LON 3 Project is a USAID-funded Award that is a revolutionary program working with communities, facilities and relevant State and National structures to improve access to TB case finding, diagnosis, treatment and notification in Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States; as well as increase domestic financing for TB and strengthen surveillance and integrated reporting.
The TB-LON 3 Project is implemented by a consortium with Institute of Human Virology Nigeria as the Prime Recipient, Society for Family Health as the Sub-Recipient, and other Implementing Entities.
To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
collaboration with facility staff, the National and State TB Programs.
Position
GeneXpert Laboratory Consultant
Reports to:
Program Officer (Laboratory)
Location:
Osun and Lagos State
Type of Contract
One year contract with the possibility of renewal
Opening Date: 10th June 2024
Closing Date: 17th June 2024
Description and objectives
Under the supervision of the Program Manager (Laboratory), State Team Lead and the Program Officer (Laboratory), the GeneXpert Laboratory Consultant will ensure quality and prompt GeneXpert Laboratory service delivery, adhere to Laboratory best practices, sample processing, data collection, collation and reporting. S/he will also perform administrative and clerical duties that assist in the delivery of quality service for the purpose of testing all TB samples in close collaboration with facility staff, the National and State TB Programs.
Specific objectives and Duties
Participate in the diagnostics (Smear Microscopy and Xpert MTB/RIF assay)
Perform daily, weekly, monthly and annual maintenance of GeneXpert machine and other laboratory equipment as required in a timely manner.
Receive, sort and register specimens for testing.
Give feedback (test result) to requesting facilities using the laboratory tracking template.
Follow laboratory, organizational and collaboration policies.
Collate and submit AFB smear microscopy, sputum and stool Xpert MTB/RIF assay reports.
Undergo training and competency assessment according to laboratory requirements.
Report challenges IHVN supervising officer where necessary.
Making suggestions to improve work methods.
Train new employees.
Working closely with the other team members for the purposes of prompt diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Performing any other tasks as directed by the supervisor.
Perform every other duty necessary for the successful implementation of TB LON 3 project activities.
iv. Required competencies.
a. Core requirements
Demonstrate knowledge of Data collection and analysis.
Excellent personal communication skills in written and verbal English Strong verbal and written communication skills
Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency in Ms. Word, excel and power point.
Ability to work independently and deliver quality work on time.
Good interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team.
High impact influencing and persuasive skills
Experience in building capacity at individual and organizational levels.
b. Educational qualification(s) and experience
Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with current practicing license from Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).
Good computer skills (comfortable with using MS Excel)
At least one year working experience in TB Laboratory and the use of GeneXpert and TB Microscopy
Attention to details.
Good attitude, self-motivation and ability to work well individually as well as in a team.
One year’s work experience in TB control program.
Experience with a non-governmental organization will be an added advantage.
v. Equal employment opportunity statement
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
vi. Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume and a one-page cover letter as one MS Word document explaining suitability for the position to Assistant Director, Human Resources through this email address: [email protected]
All Applications must explicitly state the position applied for and location in the subject of the email. Candidates are advised to provide three professional referees with email addresses and phone numbers. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.
To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
Position
Senior Program Officer M&E
Job Type
Full Time
Location:
Kano
Advert Opening Date: 10th June 2024
Advert Closing Date: 23rd June 2024
Project Overview
The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), through funding from The Global Fund (GF), will be implementing the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant, a combined TB &HIV effort pivotal to transforming TB & HIV programs. Under the leadership and coordination of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this project will increase the identification of all forms of TB cases in the community and ensure prompt access to high-quality, patient-centered prevention and treatment through a Nationwide coverage of TB Public-Private Mix active TB case finding effort, and Community TB testing. The HIV component of the grant will focus on four states (Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe) for end-to-end HIV comprehensive services, community PMTCT scale-up in all states, PrEP in the four GF-supported states and in other states where PEPFAR IPs will be operating, and support harm reduction program (specifically needles and syringes) in 12 states. Other focus areas include Health Systems Strengthening/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and National level support activities.
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the (SPO M&E) will ensure data quality and best practices in data collection, data management, and data reporting at different levels. Promote health system strengthening activities.
Description and objectives:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager SI the SPO will provide strategic leadership in the design, development, and implementation of the M&E framework within the state or region of implementation.
Responsibilities:
Ensure that data collection and reporting flow are strictly adhered to
Troubleshoot data flow choke points and resolve the same in a timely manner.
Ensure proper management of PMM data
Distribution of Data Collection Tools to thematic areas
Liaise with different thematic units to resolve data quality issues and take necessary corrective actions
Participate in periodic external data quality assessments
Ensure strict adherence to M&E SOPs.
Supervise the daily activities of Data entry clerks & documentation clerks at site
Ensure timely, complete and consistent reports come in from sites
Ensure the utilization of standardized monitoring and evaluation indicators and tools for consistency in measurement at all supported sites
Monitor stock balance of DCTs at sites and ensure availability at all times; submission of DCT utilization reports.
Participate in data processes from collection, collation, analysis, reporting and use.
Participate in health system strengthening activities
Assist in generating regular gap analysis to show site progress towards achieving set targets.
Provide regular on-site supervision and mentoring on monitoring and evaluation processes and tools
Participate in periodic data quality assessments at IHVN supported sites
Participate in all HMIS processes in the state
Perform other duties as assigned by the head of unit, Strategic Information
Required competencies:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills to interpret data and draw meaningful conclusions.
Ability to analyze trends, identify patterns, and make data-driven recommendations.
Education and Experience:
A University degree in any of the following or related fields: Medicine, Pharmacy, natural and social sciences, statistics and epidemiology. A master’s degree will be an added advantage.
A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation roles.
Experience in roles with progressively increasing responsibilities, demonstrating a track record of success and growth in the field.
Direct experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for projects or programs, focusing on measurable outcomes and impact.
Proven experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Familiarity with statistical tools and software is often required.
Experience in managing or leading a team, providing guidance and mentorship and ensuring the effective coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities.
Understanding of project management principles, with the ability to coordinate M&E activities within project timelines.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
Mode of Application:
Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one Microsoft Word document to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].
The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute aims to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.
The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), through funding from The Global Fund (GF), will be implementing the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) grant, a combined TB &HIV effort pivotal to transforming TB & HIV programs. Under the leadership and coordination of the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP), the National TB and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), this project will increase the identification of all forms of TB cases in the community and ensure prompt access to high-quality, patient-centered prevention and treatment through a Nationwide coverage of TB Public-Private Mix active TB case finding effort, and Community TB testing. The HIV component of the grant will focus on four states (Ebonyi, Anambra, Kwara, and Gombe) for end-to-end HIV comprehensive services, community PMTCT scale-up in all states, PrEP in the four GF-supported states and in other states where PEPFAR IPs will be operating, and support harm reduction program (specifically needles and syringes) in 12 states. Other focus areas include Health Systems Strengthening/Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (RSSH) and National level support activities.
To further drive quality and engender global best practices in HIV and TB care and treatment, IHVN is seeking qualified candidates for the following position:
Position
Program Officer HMIS
Job Type
Full Time
Operational Contacts
Program Manager SI, HIV Lead, TB lead, Program Management Team, Project Director
Location:
Delta and Jos
Advert Opening Date: 21st June 2024
Advert Closing Date: 4th July 2024
Position Overview
Provide HMIS technical support for all Health Informatics implementation on the project. Implement and ensure data quality and best practices in health information systems at different levels. Ensure the use of standard tools required in the program. Promote health system strengthening activities at all levels. Collaborate with the Government of Nigeria agencies to conduct monitoring and evaluation activities.
Description and objectives:
Under the supervision of the Senior Program Officer HI, the (PO HMIS) will implement and ensure data quality and best practices in health information systems at different levels.
Responsibilities:
Deploy Health Information Systems at Facility or Community Outreach centers
Support already deployed Health Information Systems at the facility/community level. (Training, Technical support, troubleshooting, updating, and issue reporting)
Provide supervisory oversight of HMIS interventions at the state (HMIS Deployment, upgrades, technical support, Integrations, backup, and data reporting)
Ensure reporting and data exchange with all supported National systems from states (NDR, LIMS, NDARS, DHIS2, etc.)
Support all Health Information Systems in use within the TB/HIV program
Ensure that HMIS components are up to date and functional (metadata, reporting modules, LIMS – EMR module, CMM module, IIT dashboard, NDR module) are up and running, in use, up to date, and can respond to changing user needs.
Ensure that standard processes and protocols are adhered to at the facility level in the deployment/implementation of Health Information Systems (Routine backup, Weekly NDR uploads, Confidentiality and Privacy Protocols, Governance and Accountability Frameworks, Information System Security)
Provide technical support to the state teams as required
Routine reporting to the SPO – HMIS on the status of HMIS interventions at the facility and community level.
Any other responsibility assigned as our HMIS systems evolve to meet changing needs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head, Strategic Information
Travel extensively across the 36 states of Nigeria for program supervision and mentorship
Required competencies:
Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of different backgrounds.
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, methods, tools, and guidelines
Data management and analysis skills
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills, and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize, and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form.
Report writing and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office especially Access and Excel
Good knowledge of programming
Team player with ability to work with minimal supervision.
Education and Experience:
A University degree in any of the following or related fields: Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Natural and Social Sciences, Statistics. A master’s degree will be an added advantage. Minimum of 3 years working experience in relevant field.
Experience supporting information systems like OpenMRS, DHIS2, Nigeria Medical Record System, ODK Collect, and Lab Information Systems.
Experience working with MySQL Community Server, Apache Tomcat, war files, and Java Web Applications.
Experience working with XML and JSON data encoding formats
Experience in working with Ubuntu OS and Linus environments
Experience in data collection, processing, and use.
Experience with HIV/AIDS programs or related health service programs; experience working with HIV/AIDS prevention and/or impact mitigation programs in the West African context is desirable.
Experience with the PEPFAR/ Global Funds SI system is highly desirable.
The following certifications will be an added advantage if available: Java Certification (OCPJP, OCPWCD, etc.), Linux Certification, SQL or Database Certifications, Health IT Certification.
Equal employment opportunity statement:
IHVN is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.
Mode of Application:
Please submit your application letter and detailed curriculum vitae as one Microsoft Word document to the Assistant Director, Human Resources, through this email address: [email protected].
