NATIONAL VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, VOM
END OF YEAR LETTER TO ALL STAFF 2023
As we approach the end of another eventful and remarkable year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the collective accomplishments we have achieved together as “Team NVRI.” The past twelve months have been an interesting journey marked by dedication, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence all geared towards consolidating the gains of the past three years. As we reflect on our achievements in 2023, I am thrilled to note some major highlights of our collective successes during the year in review.
With the support of the FAO-ECTAD, the Institute successfully held a Retreat/Mid-term review of its Strategic Plan 2021-2025 in September 2023. As you are all aware the Strategic Plan has for the past three years served as the blueprint defining our course of action as we strive to move the Institute forward. The retreat availed all participants the opportunity to evaluate the progress achieved since the development of the Strategic Plan in line with the set objectives and the defined goals while highlighting challenges and constraints. It culminated with the design of a roadmap for better implementation of the plan.
As a Team bonding exercise, the retreat was a high point in 2023 as it galvanised better understanding of the direction adopted by Management and availed participants the opportunity to provide feedback on major activities.
1. Vaccine Production
In furtherance of our commitment to revamp our ageing vaccine production facility management has sustained the tempo in the refurbishing, and procurement of spares for the LyoFast lyophilizer and other vaccine production equipment and consumables. These concerted efforts have resulted in production of higher volumes of vaccines especially as the nation grappled with the outbreak of anthrax and avian influenza. Leveraging on the continued support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) the Institute received donations of several items to support vaccine production including a new Astell autoclave, and the rehabilitation of 4 boreholes.
Capacity building, training and retraining of vaccine production staff in critical areas of equipment maintenance, mRNA and other novel vaccine production technologies, as well as lean manufacturing, packaging and labelling were achieved in the last three months of the year. These training were provided with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) of the United Nations with the aim of strengthening capacity and improving vaccine production techniques in line with global best practices. Training in Laboratory operations and audit, equipment maintenance and calibration, cold chain maintenance, commercialisation, Training on Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), and several others have taken place.
Moving into 2024, the collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will offer increased training opportunities in vaccinology and the adoption of new technologies. Once completed this would represent a significant leap in strengthening capacity for staff on the important mandate of animal vaccine production, and to extend NVRI’s vaccine reach into new markets and territories, solidifying our position as a leader in animal disease control.
2.Research and Innovation
Embracing innovation has always been at the core of NVRI’s ethos, and 2023 was no exception with efforts put into various aspects of research through the year. Pitching for research grants in the areas of Zoonoses, Anti-microbial Resistance, and Transboundary Animal Diseases with focus on One Health has been at the centre of our commitment to staying at the forefront of research technological advancements on this pivotal mandate. This has positioned us as pioneers in the industry, driving positive change and setting new benchmarks for excellence. Progress has been achieved under several collaborative research projects which are being conducted between the Institute and partners within the country and from around the world.
3. Disease Surveillance and Diagnosis
As the National Diagnostic Laboratory, we continue to hold the mantle and take pride in our responsibility to the nation regarding animal disease surveillance, detection, and control. Again, collaborative efforts have yielded positive results in strengthening NVRI’s capacity to deliver on this critical mandate. Data on outbreaks and diseases are very vital and sustaining a robust pathogen inventory and repository has always been a key role of NVRI. In line with this, the first phase in the implementation of the Pathogen Asset Control System (PACS) which has been conducted along with the training of staff on the pilot phase with the support of DTRA. FAO-ECTAD Nigeria office is also supporting the training of staff on the use and management of a laboratory information management system.
4.Digitalisation Programme
Investment in ICT continues to be one of our key areas of priority in line with our drive to reposition NVRI as the foremost veterinary research Institute in the country and sub-region.
Successes achieved in the previous year were built upon in year 2023. In our drive to fully digitalise our systems of operations and procedures additional computer systems were procured through the year and deployed to the most critical areas of need. Internet services have been improved in some of our diagnostic labs. The aim is to ultimately procure and install a secured and independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the Institute.
5. Quality Management System
Management continues to be dedicated to institutionalising and maintaining a Quality Management System along all areas of service provision and other daily research and production operations. Concerted efforts continue to be made in the preparation of additional laboratories for accreditation on ISO 17025-2017. The AMR National Reference Laboratory was accredited within the year and internal audit and gap analysis continue to be conducted in all laboratories. The vision is to improve the quality of services while retaining key clients and stakeholders. Our collaborative approach has opened new vistas and with the support of the Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) USA, personnel from the Institute have undertaken bio-risk management trainings, with a few certified as International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA) Biosafety Officers.
Vaccine testing for both viral and bacterial batches have been consistent and as the quality assurance department continues to send samples to AU-PANVAC for external quality assurance and certification.
6. Partnerships and Collaborations
Our networking efforts with strategic partners continue to yield benefits. The Institute played host to a wide range of interested visitors, intellectuals, research groups, investors, and prospective partners. These were scoping visits aimed at exploring collaboration with NVRI and this is a positive reflection on the attention the Institute has been able to garner through its networking.
We have clearly outlined critical areas of need and support, and this often drives the conversation when engaging with partners. The first phase of the collaborative project with the Bill and Mellinda Gates Foundation has been completed with several impactful and positive outcomes from the different work packages including the implementation of activities to expand rural access for animal health services through the training of community-based animal health service providers. The objective was achieved through the training of one hundred Community Animal Health Workers from 7 States.
The LIDISKI project is ongoing with the Institute playing a key role in the project objectives.
The establishment of a dairy campus by FrieslandCampina Wamco at the Institute’s Livestock Farm is scheduled to take off in January 2024 bringing with it improved dairy production techniques, added investment and infrastructure upgrade in the farm as well as access for researchers to modern dairy farming. The Institute successfully organised two international workshops under the Arpexas and Mpox Projects within 2023.
Under the Mutually Established Goals (MEGs) signed with the Unites States Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), infrastructure upgrade has commenced with the Regional Lab for avian influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) being remodelled. This partnership would culminate in several laboratories and other infrastructure such as water and sustainable energy being upgraded over the course of the MEGs.
Ongoing projects between NVRI and partners such as the UN-ITC, L-PRES, FLI Germany, FAO- ECTAD, IZSVe, US-CDC, the Pirbright Institute, Propcom Plus and others have been beneficial to the Institute. These collaborations have improved capacity as well as the quality of research with staff of the Institute driving the process. In 2023 additional MOU’s were signed.
7. Staff Welfare and Training
The diverse, multi-talented and professional staff disposition in the Institute continues to be an area of great strength. However only a skilled and competent professional human resource base can adapt with emerging trends in the global realm especially around research. Hence the continued drive by the Institutes management to train and adequately equip staff for the challenges of the 21st century.
Physical safety, mental health and stress management are priority areas that involve staff and their wellbeing which management continues to prioritise in line with global best practices. In the area of staff housing, management has sustained the gains of directing funds for rent management solely to the areas they are meant for, by renovating staff houses within residential quarters for junior and senior staff. Earned honorarium is extended to staff based on the availability of resources. Ageing infrastructure is one of the major challenges faced by NVRI, but management through the past year has put in considerable commitment to remodel or upgrade some of these buildings. The reroofing of all structures with Asbestos roofs in view of the health challenges posed by these materials.
The Institutes Auditorium is wearing a fresh look and is poised to play its role in hosting major activities within the Institute in the incoming year. Renovation works in Block “A” of the Guest House have commenced and should be completed by second quarter of 2024.
8.Commercialisation of the NVRI Vaccine Production
NVRI’s aspirations to commercialise its vaccine production started over five decades ago in the 1970’s. As the only animal vaccine producing facility within Nigeria and the recent increase in the emergence of zoonotic diseases and the dangers they pose to global public health, vaccine production takes the centre stage in controlling these diseases from the primary host. Management in the last three years has tried to redefine this narrative. With declining government revenues and the need to sustain this critical mandate which the institute has championed in the last one hundred years, it is imperative that the future and sustainability of vaccine production at NVRI is given the required attention., This is what has informed the drive once again towards commercialisation.
The commercialisation of the vaccine production will enable the Institute meet national requirements. In April 2023, through the BMGF grant NVRI in partnership with an International Consulting firm successfully carried out a feasibility study on the commercialisation of the vaccine production and the need for NVRI to establish a commercial function to harness the full potentials in terms of operations, expertise and tech transfer required to upscale and transform the vaccine production into a profit driven business entity. The positive projections and project viability reflected in the feasibility report forms the basis for which there is a renewed drive to pursue this aspiration. To this end management is seeking the collective buy-in of all staff who are critical stakeholders to proceed with next steps to make the facility investment ready. This has become imperative if this important mandate is to be sustained for future benefits in the Institute.
9. NVRI Centenary Celebration
This historic institution will be celebrating one hundred years since its inception. One hundred years ago, under the colonial authorities, a vision was born and a legacy to which we are today part of began. We are celebrating not only to mark the passage of time but to commemorate the enduring spirit, resilience, and achievements that have defined us as centre of learning and research over the past century. As we prepare to host the nation and the world in 2024, I congratulate us all, for collectively we are poised to cross this defining line.
I encourage you all to take a minute and have some introspection on how far this institute has evolved, adapted, and thrived witnessing several global events within this time. History beckons at us, and we are poised to build upon the foundation that was laid over a century ago. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, our focus will be on extending the frontiers of research and other areas of excellence the nation has come to recognise NVRI for in the last one hundred years. In the face of uncertainties and unprecedented financial limitations, you, our extraordinary team, have constantly risen to the occasion.
As the leader of Team NVRI, I am proud to note the strong organisational culture and core values you exhibit in the discharge of your duties. Resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding spirit which has not only sustained us but propelled NVRI to this point. As we bid farewell to the current year, let us carry forward the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the victories achieved into the coming year.
As the centenary celebrations kick off, all staff are encouraged to actively participate. Committees and Teams will be formed with the objective of organising a successful and befitting centenary celebration for all of us.
Looking ahead to 2024, our vision remains clear, and our ambitions are higher than ever. As we delve into the next one hundred years, we must continue nurturing our exceptional team of young researchers and fostering a culture of hard work, continuous learning, and growth as we try to equip all to be the torch bearers that will usher NVRI into the digital age of Artificial Intelligence.
The financial crisis and rising cost of living is not exclusive to individuals, as government agencies are also struggling to cope with dwindling revenues in the face of high costs of consumables as well as other goods and services required by the Institute to function optimally. We acknowledge this challenge and urge all staff not to relent.
In closing, I extend my deepest appreciation to each member of our staff, partners, valuable collaborators, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and I am confident that the coming year will bring even greater successes as we embark on new challenges and opportunities.
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year filled with joy and motivation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maryam Muhammad.
Executive Director/Chief Executive
