HJF Medical Research International

“Nigerian clinicians, scientists and community members are key leaders in this international collaboration, which will ensure that vaccine development incorporates local context, experience and perspectives while fostering sustainable in-country research capacity and partnerships.” - Dr. ABDULWASIU BOLAJI TIAMIYU, Clinical Research Centre Director, HJFMRI, and Principal Investigator for the #Lassa vaccine trial in #Nigeria. IAVI; CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

“PEPFAR's impact can be seen in young people like me. I lack the exact words to say thank you, on behalf of other youth living with HIV…PEPFAR has provided us with the medical care, education, nutrition and psychosocial support we need to thrive and overcome the challenges we face. PEPFAR has given us a chance to live, a chance to dream, and a chance to be somebody. It is the reason why we can look forward to a brighter future, and for that we will always be grateful.” - Aron, OTZ champion, HJFMRI, U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research #PutPeopleFirst #PEPFARSavesLives #PEPFAR Credit: Sarah Day Smith | PEPFAR

Meet Egra, a chef, entrepreneur and #PEPFAR DREAMS program participant. Through the DREAMS program, Egra received #HIV prevention services, vocational education and economic strengthening opportunities.   The DREAMS program provided Egra with the tools she needed to become a chef at a local hotel, and she also earns income from a business she started with a group of DREAMS women. She is financially independent and has a newfound confidence knowing she can do it on her own. Egra’s story is one of many that emphasizes the importance of PEPFAR’s ongoing investment in young women.   MHRP Walter Reed Army Institute of Research HJF Medical Research International implements PEPFAR in Tanzania and they have reached more than 130,000 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through DREAMS in Mbeya. The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) partnership is an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at reducing rates of HIV among AGYW.

Watch now! IAVI's Dr. Gaudensia Mutua and HJF Medical Research International's Dr. Abdulwasiu Bolaji Tiamiyu were recently interviewed by NTAi News about IAVI C105, the first #LassaFever vaccine candidate to enter a Phase 2 clinical trial. They discussed African scientists' and communities' leading roles in developing this vaccine – plus, how these efforts drive forward global health progress. ▶ https://lnkd.in/ey23GxM3 CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations)

Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) is a global network of sites and partners that collects and shares data to accelerate improvements in child health and prevent child mortality. CHAMPS drives change through evidence-based interventions, targeted research, and innovative approaches and has directly informed national healthcare policy in Kenya.   HJFMRI supports CHAMPS in Kenya in collaboration with Emory Global Health Institute with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of Health, Kenya, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)

HJFMRI is #hiring a #CommunicationsManager to support HJFMRI’s external communications strategy in #Kenya. This position will plan, manage and implement communication projects to promote HJFMRI activities in Kenya including infectious diseases research, surveillance and #PEPFAR. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy that promotes public awareness of and support for HJFMRI’s programs among internal and external audiences in Kenya. The Communications Manager will create compelling content for various channels including social media, website, briefing books, itineraries, newsletters, and factsheets, and press releases. This position will be based in #Nairobi. Join our team today! https://lnkd.in/gepH3RgW #CommsJobs #CommunicationsJobs #researchjobs #NairobiJobs #KenyaJobs 

HJFMRI is #hiring a Community and Civil Society Engagement Coordinator to support our team in Abuja, Nigeria! The incumbent will engage with stakeholders including the #PEPFAR Coordinator’s Office (PCO), Civil Society Organization's (CSOs), Community Based Organization's (CBOs) as well as government and bilateral stakeholders to support broad based #HIV and related activities in the community, faith and civil society-based groups, networks, and platforms. Interested? Apply today! https://lnkd.in/gDeRa3kN #CommunityEngagement #CE #NigeriaJobs #Nigeria #AbujaJobs #Abuja #ResearchJobs

HJFMRI in Tanzania recently received an award from the Ministry of Health for their impactful effort supporting Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa laboratory service enhancement initiatives across the Mbeya, Songwe, Katavi, and Rukwa regions. The award, which was presented by the Deputy Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Mollel to HJFMRI’s Felix Manda, is a recognition of HJFMRI's unwavering commitment to support laboratory initiatives such as Pre-SLMTA, SLMTA, and International Accreditation throughout Tanzania. The Ministry of Health recognized HJFMRI in Tanzania for their collaborative efforts in implementing Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) in the Southern Highlands (SHL) regions which has resulted in the accreditation of 9 laboratories in SHL, and an additional 8 labs from SHL and 5 labs from TPDF facilities currently undergoing the accreditation process. “This recognition not only reflects our dedication but also underscores the joint effort we put together to improve laboratory services in healthcare,” stated Hon. Dr. Mollel. He emphasized the importance of these services and commended HJFMRI's collective efforts, which have helped position Tanzania as the 3rd place recipient in ASLM awards across Africa.

HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, observed annually on May 18, serves as a time for the global HIV community to recognize and honor the contributions of healthcare professionals, scientists, volunteers, international partners, and others dedicated to developing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. This day highlights the importance of ongoing research and the collective efforts required to combat HIV/AIDS. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the historic RV144 vaccine trial results, which demonstrated, for the first time, that an HIV vaccine could offer at least partial protection (31.2%) against HIV infection. Moreover, it allows us to recommit to continuing the critical research to find the next life-saving countermeasure to end HIV.

Breaking reports of a #Lassafever case in France underscore the need for vaccines to prevent emerging outbreaks of this deadly viral illness, which is endemic to #WestAfrica. The patient, a soldier recently returned from abroad, is being treated at a hospital in Paris. Contact tracing is ongoing. Though so-called "imported" cases of Lassa fever are rare, they are occurring more often. An estimated 600 million people could be at risk for developing this rat-borne illness by 2070. Healthcare workers, #warfighters, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with compromised immune systems are disproportionately affected by Lassa fever. A safe, globally accessible Lassa vaccine is a #globalhealth priority and a primary objective for IAVI and our partners. CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) | Global Health EDCTP3 | HJF Medical Research International | Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Consortium #outsmartepidemics #vaccineswork #pandemicpreparedness #healthsecurity