UNIPORT Welcomes IARC/WHO-HYPREP Delegation for Landmark Public Health Collaboration on Ogoniland Pollution

In a significant step toward environmental health research and international collaboration, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) recently hosted a high-powered delegation from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). The visit focused on evaluating potential collaborations for a groundbreaking research project on the long-term public health effects of pollution in Ogoni land.Led by Professor Kakulu of HYPREP, the delegation engaged in detailed deliberations with UNIPORT’s leadership, aiming to explore how local academic institutions can support global health initiatives addressing environmental pollution. The meeting was graced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who welcomed the team and expressed optimism about the collaborative possibilities ahead.According to Professor Georgewill, the university is committed to leveraging its research expertise to support both local and international efforts aimed at understanding and mitigating the adverse health impacts of environmental contamination—particularly the complex legacy of hydrocarbon pollution in the Niger Delta region.”The visit of the HYPREP and IARC/WHO team marks a new chapter in scientific cooperation,” said Professor Georgewill. “We are deeply committed to supporting studies that will not only advance academic inquiry but also provide practical insights and policy recommendations for improving community health.”The discussions centered around the feasibility of joint research efforts, community health surveillance, data collection, and knowledge exchange that could help assess the scope of cancer risks and other health concerns linked to prolonged environmental degradation in Ogoni land.The delegation comprised experts from various fields including epidemiology, toxicology, environmental science, and community health. Their presence at the university also underscores the importance of academic institutions as crucial partners in global health diplomacy and regional development.This visit aligns with HYPREP’s mission to lead the cleanup and restoration of the Ogoni environment as mandated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, and it opens a new frontier for evidence-based research to guide policy and remediation efforts.With this visit, the University of Port Harcourt reaffirms its strategic role in driving forward interdisciplinary, impactful research that addresses critical national and global health challenges.