Viruses: Virologists to Brainstorm On Emerging Trends In Africa
By Thompson Yamput
Virologists are reportedly set to address disturbing trends in emerging viruses in Africa at the 2024 African Virology Conference (AVC) in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Trends in Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses,” will commence Nov. 25 to Nov. 27 at the Exclusive Serene Hotel and Suites, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital
Prof. Maryam Aminu, Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, made the disclosure to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja
Aminu explained that the conference was set to bring together leading Virologists and Scientists from the Academia, Public Health Institutions, and Private Health Organisations
She disclosed that the event would be officially declared open by the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali-Pate.
The Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee revealed that Prof. George Kyei, Director of Research at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, will deliver the Keynote Lecture titled “HIV Cure Research: State of the Science and the Need to Include African Patients and Scientists.”
“Also, Prof. Theophilus Adiku, Chair of the African Virologists Network (AVN), will give insights into the network’s activities and vision in his remarks at the event.
“The event will feature goodwill messages from distinguished dignitaries, including Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative; and Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Director of the Technical Cooperation Division for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency,” she said.
According to her, participants will engage in plenary sessions, oral presentations, poster exhibitions, and roundtable discussions, including a special session on Mpox.
Aminu further disclosed that the conference would feature over 50 oral and 69 poster presentations, showcasing cutting-edge research and insights from both African and international scientists.
She added: “delegates from universities and institutions across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, as well as Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Chile, and the United States, will attend the conference.”
The Chairperson, however, said that the conference would be concluded with the General Meeting of the African Virologists Network (AVN).
