The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV/Non-Communicable Diseases (V-BRCH) Program strengthens the capacity of Nigerian investigators to sustain a robust research training platform and develop a cadre of highly skilled scientists capable of leading independent clinical research at the intersection of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The program builds on the longstanding and highly productive research partnership between Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH)/Bayero University Kano (BUK) and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health.
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria continues to face a substantial HIV burden, characterized by suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage and a slow decline in new HIV infections. Although ART has transformed HIV into a manageable chronic condition, people living with HIV are increasingly experiencing HIV-associated NCDs as life expectancy improves. This growing dual burden places additional strain on an already overstretched healthcare system and underscores the urgent need for locally driven clinical research to generate evidence-based solutions for preventing and managing HIV-related NCDs in Nigeria.
The program supports long-term training at the PhD and master’s levels, focused on addressing complex scientific questions related to HIV-associated NCDs. It also fosters a culture of continuous professional development through short- and medium-term training opportunities, structured mentoring relationships, and competitive seed grants that support collaborative mentor-mentee research teams. Together, these activities strengthen the pipeline of physician-scientists and clinical researchers equipped to address emerging HIV-NCD challenges.
V-BRCH 2 will further leverage training opportunities available through other Fogarty International Center (FIC)-funded programs in Nigeria and across Africa. These South-South collaborations will provide access to complementary coursework, peer-to-peer learning networks, research exchanges, and professional networking opportunities that enrich trainee development and promote regional collaboration.
To facilitate the transition of trainees into independent investigators and future research leaders, the program provides advanced training in grant writing, research mentorship, scientific leadership, and career development. These activities are designed to enhance competitiveness for external funding and strengthen participants’ capacity to lead multidisciplinary research programs.
In addition, 10 junior faculty members ("fellows") annually will participate in the Nigeria Institute for Research Development and Ethics (NIRDE), a two-week intensive research development program held in Kano, Nigeria. The program will also establish a Mentorship and Leadership Faculty Development Program for AKTH/BUK faculty who supervise MScPH and PhD trainees. Complementing these efforts, a virtual Community of Scholars will provide an interactive, peer-supported environment that promotes collaboration, professional growth, and the acquisition of skills necessary for successful careers in HIV-NCD research.
V-BRCH 2 represents the continuation of a longstanding and impactful collaboration between Vanderbilt and AKTH/BUK. By expanding training, mentorship, and research opportunities, the program further strengthens the foundation for sustainable clinical research capacity and leadership in HIV-associated NCD research in Nigeria.