The National HIV/AIDS Research Agenda Validation workshop has commenced today 16th June 2010 at the Vines Hotel, Abuja. The workshop objectives are to validate and finalise the HIV/AIDS research agenda and to review stakeholders’ HIV/AIDS research activities.

Giving goodwill messages when the workshop started, Rene Bonnel, Stanley Amadiegwu and Dr Warren Namara from the World Bank, United States Government and United Nations respectively affirmed the importance of the workshop noting that few countries have agreed HIV/AIDS research agenda.

Prof. Gbenga Sunmola, while presenting an overview of the process, highlighted the participatory nature of the process of arriving at the research agenda which the workshop is to validate. His presentation revealed that the research agenda has undergone first and second drafts prior to the finalised version on the table.

Dr Morenike  Ukpong presented an overview of the research agenda in behalf of the lead consultant that drew up the research agenda, Dr Segun Fatusi. She reviewed the sub-topics that make up the body of the research agenda. According to her, the research agenda compliments the HIV/AIDS policy and the National Strategic Framework providing them with a basis in research and scientific knowledge.

 

Earlier, while  welcoming participants to the event, Dr. Greg Ashefor wished delegates at the validation meeting a fruitful deliberation and thanked each one for making out time to be a part of the workshop.