The Cross River State ECEWS team participated in the 12th Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Epidemiology Society of Nigeria (EPiSON) on 4^th – 6^th June 2026 in Calabar, themed “Strengthening Epidemiological Resilience in Nigeria.” The team’s objectives included enhancing the visibility of ECEWS’ HIV/AIDS services, providing health education, promoting health equity, and strengthening partnerships with policymakers. The conference drew key figures, including Dr Henry Ayuk (Honorable Commissioner for Health), and Prof. Bernadine Nsa Ekpenyong (Chairperson, LOC). 

ECEWS showcased innovative HIV/AIDS strategies through a range of engagement activities, including a digital story wall featuring personal testimonies, on-site HIV testing, distribution of self-test kits, and blood pressure screenings. These initiatives raised ECEWS’ profile at the conference, improved health awareness among at least 150 attendees, and strengthened partnerships with government and academic stakeholders. 

Agreed action points included compiling lessons learned into a formal report, exploring further collaboration with government partners, enhancing digital storytelling in advocacy efforts, and improving monitoring frameworks for measuring health service impact. Planned next steps include preparations for future conferences, discussions with the Cross River State Ministry of Health on integrating resilience strategies into state programming, and development of a strategic roadmap for 2026/2027. 

The EPiSON 2026 Conference provided a vital platform for ECEWS to highlight its contributions to HIV/AIDS programming and Nigeria’s broader epidemiological resilience agenda, reinforcing its position as a key partner in Cross River State’s health sector.