ECEWS ACE-5 Project Laboratory team paid an advocacy visit to the newly appointed Director of Laboratory Services at the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Mr. Patrick Osang, to discuss the state of HIV laboratory services, align on priorities, and reinforce the importance of government-led accountability in laboratory service delivery. 

 The team provided an overview of the project’s laboratory implementation approach, emphasizing the need for sustained Government of Nigeria staff commitment and active participation in HIV-related laboratory services. Progress on Quality Management System implementation across 10 pilot sites was reviewed, with accountability and staff ownership identified as critical to sustaining gains. The Director committed to strengthening oversight and ensuring that laboratory staff across the state fully integrates HIV laboratory services into routine care. 

 In a related engagement on 23rd April 2026, the ECEWS team met with the SASCP Laboratory Focal Person to plan a government-led statewide virtual exercise on the Standard Q HIV 1/2 Antibody 3-Line and HIV/Syphilis Dual Test Kits, to be held on 29th and 30th April, 2026. The training is designed to bring together laboratory scientists, HIV testing service providers, facility focal persons, and program staff from implementing partners across the state, covering testing principles, result interpretation, bio-safety, documentation, and quality assurance. Pre- and post-training assessments will be incorporated to measure learning gains and guide follow-up mentorship where needed.  

 These engagements reflect ECEWS sustained commitment to strengthening government ownership, improving laboratory quality systems, and ensuring that healthcare workers across Cross River State are equipped to deliver accurate, reliable, and nationally compliant HIV testing and diagnostic services.