In the heart of rural Nigeria, where healthcare access remains a daily challenge for many, a powerful partnership is rewriting the story of survival and hope.

Since 2010, the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS) has worked hand-in-hand with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to expand HIV prevention, care, and treatment services in hard-to-reach communities. This collaboration has not only increased access to life-saving healthcare but has also empowered communities through education and capacity building.

One such community is Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, where stigma around HIV once kept people from getting tested or seeking treatment. Through USAID’s support, ECEWS launched a community-based HIV awareness campaign that combined mobile testing, counseling services, and peer education. In less than a year, over 5,000 individuals were tested, and those who tested positive were linked to free antiretroviral therapy (ART) services.

“We used to lose people silently because they didn’t know their status or were afraid to speak up,” says Grace I., a community health volunteer trained under the program. “Now, people feel safer, informed, and hopeful.”

Beyond testing and treatment, the partnership focused on strengthening local health systems. Over 60 healthcare workers received specialized training in HIV care and counseling, while facilities were equipped with modern diagnostic tools. This has greatly improved service delivery and patient outcomes.

The ripple effect has been immense. More children are being born HIV-free, families are staying together, and communities are learning to support their vulnerable members. This success underscores the power of partnerships in driving sustainable change.

As ECEWS continues to collaborate with global and local partners, our mission remains clear: to bring dignity, access, and opportunity to every underserved Nigerian community. Because when we work together, hope becomes action—and action saves lives