IHVN Joins Opobo Marathon 2026 for Community Health Drive

The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has announced a partnership with the organisers of the 8th Opobo Marathon, scheduled for 3rd January 2026, in Opobo Town, Rivers State.

As part of this collaboration, IHVN will fund a free medical outreach in Opobo during the marathon, offering vital health services to participants, local residents, and visitors. This initiative underscores IHVN’s dedication to preventative healthcare and community well-being, contributing to broader public health improvements and disease prevention efforts across Nigeria.

During a visit to the Institute’s headquarters in Abuja, Mr Henry Cookey, founder and team lead of Opobo Marathon, conveyed his profound gratitude to IHVN’s management for their support.

“This partnership marks a significant step towards integrating health advocacy into sporting platforms. Opobo Marathon has always been more than just a race; it’s a movement that champions unity, wellness, and development.

IHVN’s involvement will ensure the 2026 event has an even greater impact by delivering tangible healthcare benefits to the people of Opobo.”

Dr Charles Mensah, Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of IHVN, praised the marathon’s vision, highlighting that the collaboration aligns with IHVN’s ethos of promoting health through community engagement.

“At IHVN, we believe that health promotion should extend beyond hospital walls, reaching into the very heart of communities. Our partnership with Opobo Marathon reflects this philosophy – combining fitness, public awareness, and medical outreach to bolster healthy living at a grassroots level. Rivers State, and indeed the Opobo Kingdom, offers a unique opportunity for us to deepen our impact in advancing public health.”