THE WINNING PROGRAM

The Niger Delta AIDS Response (NiDAR)-SPDC's partnership with the Government of Nigeria and Family Health International (FHI)-has helped build healthcare capacity for HIV and TB in rural communities around the company's Nigerian operations.

The partnership has so far led to 1,165 people (and 86 pregnant women) learning they were HIV positive and allowed more than 590 people to begin antiretroviral treatment, of which 49 were also placed on anti-TB treatment. In addition, a total of 234 government healthcare workers at NiDAR facilities were trained with a diverse set of new skills.

NiDAR began in 2007 after a large-scale baseline assessment of existing health facilities, community risks and accessibility to services. From there, the partners identified existing cottage hospitals as the best avenue for expanding HIV and TB services into rural areas of the Niger Delta.

SPDC was an active partner throughout the development and implementation of the project, contributing US$1.5 million toward FHI as well as in-kind services, such as logistics, security and transportation support, and SPDC medical staff supervision.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

Leveraging Existing Health Infrastructure
By tapping into the network of localized cottage hospitals, NiDAR was able to integrate HIV and TB services into broader health systems while effectively reducing the average journey for HIV-positive community members to receive critical specialized medical services from 200 km to just 40 km.

Engaging Government and Community Stakeholders
Input and buy-in from those on the ground were ensured through Community Health Management Teams and a Hospital Advisory Committee. Through monthly community meetings, the partnership was able to increase local ownership of the effort, collect insights and drive demand for HIV services locally.