Empowering HIV Control in Nigeria Through Collaborative Review

In September 2024, a pivotal review meeting brought together key stakeholders from FHI 360 and its partners to evaluate the achievements of the Accelerating the Control of the HIV Epidemic in Nigeria (ACE-1) project. This meeting, held in Lagos, was aimed at refining strategies for FY25, driving the nation closer to achieving the UNAIDS 95:95:95 targets.

The review revealed significant progress in the project’s impact across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States through a comprehensive evaluation framework, including customer management, technical performance, and innovation. The use of the Gradual Release Model during technical assistance sessions empowered participants, shifting the dynamics from management to technical guidance—an essential move towards sustainable local ownership.

Key outcomes of the meeting included actionable insights to improve pediatric HIV case finding, capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships. The meeting also addressed operational challenges like healthcare facility assessments, which will improve service delivery and data accuracy in the coming months.

The highlight of the review was the emphasis on data-driven decision-making to optimize performance and resource allocation. By leveraging insights from the field, the team identified areas of high impact, prioritizing sites responsible for the majority of results. Additionally, the collaborative approach to integrating HIV and TB care into routine healthcare services stands as a shining example of the project’s impact on health systems strengthening.
The success of this meeting underscores the power of partnerships and technical expertise. With a renewed focus on innovation, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, FHI 360 and its partners are well-positioned to advance Nigeria’s HIV epidemic control efforts in the coming year.