A Nigerian scientist, Dr. Adam Abdullahi, has received international recognition for his groundbreaking work in the fight against HIV/AIDS after winning the CIPHER (Collaborative Initiative for Paediatric HIV Education and Research) Grant awarded by the International AIDS Society (IAS).
Out of more than 1,000 applications worldwide, only four scientists were selected in this round, with Dr. Abdullahi emerging as one of just two African awardees.
The two-year grant worth US $150,000 will support his research on drug resistance in children and adolescents on dolutegravir (DTG)-based treatment in sub-Saharan Africa.
His project aims to map emerging resistance patterns, generate critical evidence for treatment optimization, and ultimately improve outcomes for young populations living with HIV.
Dr. Abdullahi is an infectious disease and global health scientist with an impressive record of research and leadership.
He is a former Harvard Takemi Fellow and Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, with research spanning vaccine science, epidemic preparedness, and health systems.
His previous studies delivered some of the first COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity data from West Africa and provided critical evidence on the low risk of community transmission of Mpox in Nigeria, helping shape pandemic response strategies.
He has also been mentored by Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, during his academic journey at Harvard.
This recognition comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, which faces significant challenges in its HIV response:
Nigeria has the second-largest population of children living with HIV globally. As of 2017, only 26% of HIV-positive children in the country were on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The country also accounted for nearly 30% of new infections in West and Central Africa in 2017.
Speaking on the award, Dr. Abdullahi emphasized the importance of African-led research:
“While global partners like PEPFAR and the Global Fund remain vital, Africa’s future in epidemic control depends on building our own evidence base and setting our own priorities. We must take ownership of research, strengthen treatment strategies and design solutions that are relevant for our children and communities within relevant local context.”
The IAS award not only highlights Dr. Abdullahi’s personal achievement but also underscores the urgent need for Nigeria and Africa to invest in locally driven, transparent, and accountable infectious disease research, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs directly improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
