For over 33 years, I have worked as a Public Health Physician in various high-impact organizations. I was appointed a Commissioner during this period and was privileged to serve with the Plateau State Ministry of Information & Health.

I’m currently the Chief Executive Officer of IHV-Nigeria while holding a faculty position (Assistant Professor) and other professional positions. This has enabled me to develop my Policy Formulation, Policy Management, Program Implementation, Research skills, etc.

I have, over the years, acquired vast experience in cost-effective
Management of Funds by serving as the Principal Investigator for over four major grants; with two program grants funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and another two funded by the Global Funds for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and HIV, with funds totaling about $50m (₦10bn) Annually.

I have extensive experience implementing policies and hands-on experience managing government Institutions. Serving as the Chairman of the Plateau State Hospitals Management Board, I ensured the establishment of 3 new rural-based hospitals that contributed immensely to reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality in the State. In addition, I was responsible for overall Policy Development and Implementation in the respective Ministries I worked with.

As the CEO of IHVN, I oversee the Technical Support the organization provides to Federal Government Agencies (FMOH, FMWASD) as they strive to provide various services to the country. IHVN also works directly with the National Malaria Control Program and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS on two Global Fund Grants – Malaria and HIV/AIDS as Sub-Recipients.

I have steered IHVN’s growth from a five-person team to a full-fledged organization of over 400 highly Technical and Multidisciplinary staff. IHVN ensures the implementation of diverse service delivery models that fast-track the fight against Public Health diseases using Global Best Practices.

I provide Programmatic and Administrative oversight for all Research Service Agreements and activities of the University of Maryland (UMD) & IHV-Baltimore in Nigeria, including two major Research Grants IHV-Nigeria receives.

The PEPFAR Program in Nigeria is currently undergoing streamlining for transfer to the Government of Nigeria which I am playing a significant role. I have also designed Implementation Science proposals (NIH) to evaluate some of the best practices for implementing policies from our sixteen years of working in Resource Limited settings like Nigeria.

I have mentored IHVN staff on improving programme efficiency and effectiveness, especially when utilizing scarce resources to do more, thereby optimizing Donor resources provided to Nigeria for implementing HIV and TB Comprehensive Prevention, Treatment, and Care services.

A Track Record of My Skills and Abilities:

Administration: I have provided administrative leadership as the pioneer Chief of Party, and later Chief Executive Officer of a U.S funded Non-Governmental Organization. I ensure cost-effectiveness and Management of Human and non-human resources.

Financial Management: I have provided the necessary leadership in financial management by properly utilizing funds and grants worth billions of naira from development partners. This financial prudence has been subjected to appropriate scrutiny by auditing firms of international repute for over 11 years.

Multi–Bilateral Relationships: I have served as a staff of UNFPA, and as a local Consultant to the French Embassy and Canadian CIDA, in which I Participated in the design of the Health Sector strategy of the Canadian CIDA in Nigeria. I am a member of the Technical Working Group that provides necessary technical inputs to NACA, a Federal Government of Nigeria agency on HIV/AIDs awareness.

Policy Formulation: I have a track record in Policy formulation and program implementation. Serving as a two-time commissioner in Plateau State, I coordinated the overall Policy Development and Implementation in the Ministries of Information and Health, respectively.

Project management: I successfully managed the resource intensification strategy, an inter-agency project aimed at increasing the Family Planning couple-year protection in Plateau state. I have also handled the HIV/AIDS program for over 11 years, with about 6 million patients under treatment and care in Nigeria.

Advocacy to Community Leaders: I have led CHAN faith-based organizations for various advocacy projects for over six years, contributing to the institution’s success.

Public Presentations/Enlightenment: I have developed various materials for health awareness programmes across the globe. And have made research presentations on health and non-health issues. I have also presented papers on Public accountability to non-governmental and governmental officials.

Democracy and Governance programming and implementation: I Participated in designing a curriculum on Model Local Government Initiative being implemented now in 12 LGAs in Nigeria with US Government Funding. Also monitoring and providing Technical Assistance to Democracy and Governance projects funded by CEDPA. I have Facilitated various workshops within and outside the country.

Radio/TV Program Production and Presentation And Counseling: Participated in various TV/Radio programs on National and local issues. Also co-presented a popular Radio talk show (Home Front) aimed at improving the quality of life at home. In addition, I Conducts many teaching and counseling session for married couples, youths, and teenagers on a wide range of topics.

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By His Grace: A Summary of My Professional Service to Humanity – Dr. Patrick Dakum