The School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONM), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, has officially launched the ExtraCECI Project, a transformative, community-based initiative aimed at improving the quality of life and person-centered care for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The launch event, held at the University of Ghana, brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, academia, and advocacy groups, underscoring the project's significance in advancing HIV care in Ghana and beyond.

The ExtraCECI Project is a collaborative effort between the University of Ghana’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edinburgh Napier University (Scotland), King’s College London, the University of York, and the Ghana Health Service. The project is led by Principal Investigator Dr. Mary Abboah-Offei from Edinburgh Napier University, with Dr. Gladys Dzansi from the School of Nursing and Midwifery serving as Co-Investigator. Jointly funded by the UK Medical Research Council and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based enhanced care interventions compared to standard HIV care, with the ultimate goal of promoting holistic, person-centered healthcare.

Prof. Florence Naab, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in her opening remarks expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its alignment with the School’s vision of providing quality healthcare services and advancing impactful research. “The ExtraCECI Project not only bridges gaps in HIV care but also strengthens our commitment to person-centered healthcare delivery. We are grateful to our partners for choosing the School as a key collaborator,” she stated.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Joseph Adjetey Oliver-Commey, a Physician Specialist at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, reflected on the evolution of HIV care in Ghana since the first cases emerged in 1986. He recounted the early days of managing the disease with limited treatment options, including the use of herbal concoctions like moringa, before the introduction of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in 1994.

Dr. Oliver-Commey highlighted the significant progress made in HIV management over the years, particularly the shift towards comprehensive, holistic care that addresses not only the physical but also the psychosocial and emotional needs of patients. “HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. With effective care, persons living with HIV can lead healthy, productive lives. The future looks bright, and initiatives like ExtraCECI are key to sustaining this progress,” he affirmed.

Dr. Mary Abboah-Offei, Principal Investigator of the ExtraCECI Project, outlined the project’s objectives, emphasizing its focus on developing community-based healthcare interventions tailored to the unique needs of PLWHA. The project seeks to: enhance patient and stakeholder involvement in community-based care; refine care interventions to improve health outcomes; evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention compared to standard HIV care; assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention for sustainable implementation and identify best practices to understand what works, for whom, and under what circumstances.

Dr. Abboah-Offei stressed the importance of integrating psychosocial support into HIV care, noting that stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to treatment. “Our goal is to move beyond traditional care models by adopting a person-centered approach that empowers patients to actively participate in their care. This will improve their quality of life and reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS,” she explained.

The event featured remarks from key stakeholders who reaffirmed their support for the project. Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Director of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, emphasized the need to address both clinical and social barriers to HIV care. He noted Ghana’s progress with a 65-89-85 achievement rate as of December 2023 but highlighted the need to overcome persistent stigma within healthcare settings and communities. Madam Gifty Ansah, Regional HIV coordinator at the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate, pledged the region’s full support for the project, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving HIV targets. 

Mamaga Bumbedee Enkoso Hemaa, a member of the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Team, who represented the patient community highlighted the challenges of stigma and the importance of projects like ExtraCECI in promoting community involvement and breaking down barriers to care. 

Mamaga Setriakor II,  who is a focal person at the La-Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly  and also a member of the PPI team  representing  the public also pledge the support of the general public and stakeholders to the success of the ExtraCECI project.

The event culminated with the official launch of the ExtraCECI Project, marked by the unveiling of the project’s logo, which symbolizes care, passion, and community involvement. The logo’s colors and symbols reflect the project’s mission to deliver cutting-edge healthcare solutions while fostering inclusivity and empowerment for people living with HIV.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Delanyo Dovlo, Chairperson of the event and former Director of Health Systems at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, reflected on the changing landscape of HIV/AIDS in Ghana. He emphasized the need for continued research, innovative interventions, and fruitful partnerships to achieve epidemic control. “This project embodies the spirit of impactful research and person-centered care. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS,” he concluded.

The ExtraCECI Project represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s fight against HIV/AIDS. By prioritizing community-based interventions, patient empowerment, and evidence-based research, the project is poised to improve the quality of life for thousands of people living with HIV, contributing to the achievement of global targets such as the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

The event was attended by representatives from the Ghana Health Service, Ghana AIDS Commission, Ghana Registered Nurses Association, Nurses and Midwifery Council, and various HIV/AIDS advocacy groups, reaffirming a collective commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery for all.