Institute of infectious Diseases Research and Development

About Us

The Institute of Infectious Diseases Research and Development (IIDRD) at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) was established to address the growing challenge of infectious diseases, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. With Rivers State’s dense population and vibrant socio-economic activities making it susceptible to disease outbreaks, the IIDRD is committed to advancing knowledge, research, and skill acquisition to strengthen infection prevention and control. Guided by the motto “Advancing Knowledge, Protecting Communities,” the institute strives to be a beacon of excellence in understanding, preventing, and controlling infectious diseases for the well-being of humanity in Nigeria. Through cutting-edge research, robust disease surveillance, and innovative healthcare solutions. By equipping healthcare professionals with world-class expertise, IIDRD is poised to drive transformative progress in infectious disease management and public health resilience.

Vision

To be a beacon of excellence in the science of prevention and control of diseases for the well-being of humanity in Nigeria.

Mission

To revolutionize disease control through knowledge, research and skill acquisition for a healthier tomorrow.

Our Courses

IDI 1001 - INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) course offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying IPC concepts and methodologies within healthcare systems.

IDI 1002 - PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES AND RESPONSE

The Public Health Emergency Certification course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to respond effectively to public health emergencies.

IDI 1003 – ISOLATION CARE SERVICES

This course on Isolation Care Services is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage patients requiring isolation due to infectious diseases.

IDI 1004 – ADVANCED ISOLATION CARE: CRITICAL CARE

This course is designed to equip healthcare workers with foundational knowledge and skills in critical care within infectious disease settings.

IDI 1005 – MOLECULAR AND ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS

The Molecular and Advanced Diagnostics course aims to provide infectious disease professionals with expanded knowledge and skills in the diagnosis, laboratory management and surveillance of infectious diseases and other diseases of public health importance.

IDI 1006 – DATA MANAGEMENT IN DISEASE CONTROL

This course is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in data management for disease control and prevention.

IDI 1007 – LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS

This Certification course is designed to empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to lead and manage healthcare organizations effectively.

IDI 1008 - EPIDEMIOLOGY AND DISEASE CONTROL

The certificate course is a comprehensive program designed to equip healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, and researchers with foundational knowledge and practical skills in understanding, preventing, and managing the spread of diseases within populations.

IDI 1009 – HIV, TREATMENT, CARE AND SUPPORT

This course emphasizes a holistic approach to HIV management, encompassing clinical care, psychosocial support, and community engagement. 

1010 – ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN HEALTHCARE

This course aims to equip healthcare professionals and researchers with a deep understanding of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to improve healthcare delivery, diagnosis, and patient outcomes.

IDI 1011 – ISOLATION NURSING

This course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of isolation nursing principles, including standard and transmission-based precautions, patient placement, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

IDI 1012 – LABORATORY QUALITY ASSURANCE

This course provides an in-depth understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS) as applied in laboratory settings. 

IDI 1013 – GYNAECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS IPC

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of infection prevention and control in obstetrics, with a special focus on epidemic viral infections during pregnancy. 

IDI 1014 – PAEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS EMERGENCIES

The Paediatric Infectious Diseases Emergencies course is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals who respond to paediatric infectious disease emergencies. 

IDI 1015 - PRINCIPLES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The course will equip healthcare professionals with basic understanding and skills of applying a systematic approach in conducting research that contribute meaningfully to existing knowledge while maintaining scientific rigour and ethical standards.

IDI 1016 – RISK COMMUNICATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The course aims to equip healthcare professionals and researchers with; basic knowledge and understanding of public health principles during public health emergency crises.

IDI 10017 – ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

This course will teach participants the laws guiding environmental health assessment studies in Nigeria and the procedures for carrying out the studies to satisfy the requirements of the various regulators in Nigeria.

IDI 1018 - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

This program is designed to equip professionals with comprehensive knowledge and skills in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE).

Who Should Attend

Our programmes are designed for a broad range of professionals and aspiring experts seeking to build capacity or transition into the infectious disease and public health research space.

Healthcare Professionals

Graduates in Life Sciences

Public Health Practitioners

International Applicants

Policy Makers and Health Administrators

Laboratory Technologists and Field Epidemiologists

Researchers and Academicians

Eligibility Criteria

✅ ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be admitted into any IIDRD programme, applicants must meet at least one of the following:

  • Medical professionals: Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists
  • Allied health professionals with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree
  • Community Health Officers (CHO) with valid certification
  • Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) in a health-related field
  • Other health-related professionals subject to evaluation

📌 NOTE: 

  • The courses are offered onsite (Physical).
  • Candidates are required to undergo an interview before admission into the institute.

⏱️ PROGRAMME DURATION

Each certificate course runs for 3 weeks (30 credit hours) structured as follows:

  • Executive Sessions: 2 hours of physical lectures daily
  • Module Composition: 10–15 topics per CERT module
  • Week 1: Didactic lectures
  • Week 2: Hands-on training (practicals, drills, facility tours)
  • Week 3: Capstone project, report writing, and final evaluation

🕒 LECTURE TIMING (COHORTS)

IIDRD courses are organized into two flexible cohort schedules to accommodate working professionals:

  • Cohort I (Morning): 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Cohort II (Evening): 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

📌 NOTE: 

  • Students must select and commit to one cohort throughout the course.

Methodology

IIDRD uses a structured, hands-on learning model:

Week 1

  • Orientation on use of tech platforms and tools
  • Introduction to the IIDRD learning model
  • Pre-test assessments
  • Faculty-led teaching (2 hours daily)

Week 2

  • Interactive training modules distributed
  • Skill acquisition via simulations, drills, lab tours
  • Individual and group assignments

Week 3

  • Final report writing
  • Capstone project presentation
  • Final examination

Outcome and Certification

Upon successful completion of each course, students will receive a Certificate of Achievement, based on:

  • Participation in assignments and simulations
  • Completion of capstone project
  • Final examination performance
591-5913797_ribbon-certificate-logo-png-transparent-png-removebg-preview

📝 HOW TO APPLY

Follow these steps to begin your journey at IIDRD:

  1. Visit the RSUTH Portal:
    Go to IIDRD
  2. Click on “Courses”:
    View IIDRD Courses and Click Apply.
  3. Complete the IIDRD Admission Form:
    Choose your desired IIDRD programme/internship from the list and fill other required details.
  4. Pay the Application Fee:
    Make payment securely online using debit card or bank transfer to the account (Premium Trust Bank – 0080052368)
  5. Submit Application:
    Visit the IIDRD Office  with proof of payment to complete the admission process.

📢 ADMISSION TIMELINE

  • Application Opens: July 1, 2025
  • Deadline for Applications: August 17, 2025
  • Interviews/Screening: August, 2025.
  • Session Begins: September, 2025

📍 CONTACT INFORMATION

Institute Secretariat Institute of Infectious Disease Research and Development Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

📞 Phone: +234 8033389721; 08066992304
📧 Email: iidrd@rsuth.ng
🌐 Website: www.rsuth.ng/iidrd

Meet Our Lecturers/Instructors

Our programmes are designed for a broad range of professionals and aspiring experts seeking to build capacity or transition into the infectious disease and public health research space.

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile 

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile 

Name of Lecturer

Lecturer’s Profile