Accelerating control of HIV Epidemic in Nigeria Cluster three (ACE3) is a 5- year (2022-2026) project funded by USAID to implement best practices to facilitate HIV/AIDS epidemic control in North-West Nigeria covering the three states of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states. ACE3 is currently being implemented by a consortium led by Health System Consult Limited and Project HOPE with also a high-risk security challenged areas in Zamfara state. The project developed strategies and methodologies that are driven by evidence and draw from context specific understanding that facilitated access to quality services across the HIV continuum of care.
Project Goal
Our implementation model centers on active case finding, engaging indigenous community mobilizers to drive the community ARV refill group DSD model (CARG) whilst integrating community VL sample collection and partnering with community mentor mothers (ASWHAN) to ensure all pregnant women living in high-risk communities are tested to curb vertical HIV transmission in these communities. To improve linkage and retention, we prioritized same-day initiation using a peer navigator to facilitate assisted referrals, leveraging on facility generated line-list, to ensure clients are tracked and brought clients back to care (BTC), alongside ensuring the transition of eligible clients to Tenofovir/lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) and DTG based regimen for paediatric clients.
Objectives
- Increasing Resiliency, Responsiveness and Accountability on the Health System.
- Improved HIV counselling and testing.
- Increasing Access and Provision of HIV/AIDS Services.
- Enhance adherence and successfully suppress HIV viral load.
- TB/HIV integration.
- Gender Mainstreaming.
- Cervical Screening
- Laboratory services support and logistics management.
- Community-based services.
- Health System Strengthening