The Management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital Irrua (ISTH) recently received delegates from the United States Army Defense Treat Reduction Agency (DTRA) at the BNI building of the Hospital of the hospital.

While welcoming the delegation led by Major Luna Louie, the Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer Prof. Rueben A. Eifediyi expressed his appreciations for their support and collaborations with ISTH.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Director, Institute of Viral and Emergent Pathogen Control and Research (IVEPCR) Dr. Joseph Okoeguale gave a brief history of the Institute from its existence in the year 2007 stating that IVEPCR ISTH is a Centre of excellence for diagnosis, case management, research, surveillance and capacity building for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases in Nigeria. He further stated that IVEPCR is a national reference and leading research center for emergent pathogens in West Africa Sub- Region as he highlighted its mode of operations, functions and prospects till date.

Responding on behalf of the team, Major Louie, Manager, New Nigeria Program in the Diaspora thanked the Management and Staff of the hospital for giving them a warm reception as he express his optimism towards a productive and fruitful collaboration that will stand the test of time.

Highpoint of the visitation was the tour and inspection of the IVEPCR land space under construction such as Back view of IVEPCR isolation ward, the fencing space of the institute and proposed site for the development of “Institute for Lassa Fever Research and Control Molecular laboratory a project proposed to be completed in 14 months.

In a feedback after the inspection, the delegates said they are highly impressed and satisfied with the ongoing work and prospects and are hundred percent ready to partner with the hospital and to commence work.

Giving the vote of thanks, the CMAC of the hospital Dr. Michael Olakule Obagaye on behalf of Management appreciates their coming which he said will never be taken for granted as the hospital is happy to see their commitment stressing that this is the beginning of good things to come in the partnership.

Also present at the event were; Barr. Edna Inegbedion Ag. Director of Administration, Dr. Christian Erohubie DCMAC, Prof. Sylvanus A. Okogbenin, Mrs. Agatha Okojie Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Efiediyi, Dr. Adeleke Fajoju, Head Internal Audit, Dr. Tobi Ekaete, Reform Coordinator and Service Improvements (RCSI), Dr. Anthony Owolabi Director Medical Education and Residency Training (MERT), Mr. Oladejo Olusegun (DTRA), Mr. Yemi Akinwonmi (DTRA), Mr. Charles Fabayo, Ag. Head of Accounts & Finance Department, Mrs. Constance Izekor Provost, College of Nursing Science, Mrs Stella Ighodalo, Secretary HMC, Mr. E.O Emoyon Head, Human Resources, Engr. Charles Idehen HOD Works, Mr. Paul Momoh Assistant Director Information PRID, Mr. Henry Okojogbe CSO ISTH and host of others.

By Aletor A. Esther