Ibrahim Ahmed El-Imam: Leading National Projects of HIV Linkage to Care

In a groundbreaking effort to combat HIV/AIDS, Nigeria has achieved remarkable progress through the National Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (NPHIA) and the Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey. Central to this success is Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed El-Imam, the Public Health Advisor at the University of Maryland Baltimore’s Centre for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity. His leadership as the National Linkage-to-care coordinator in the survey has significantly advanced healthcare outcomes particularly among People Living With HIV (PLHIV) strengthening the country’s HIV response, ensuring seamless patient care integration.

The NPHIA/NAIIS initiative is one of the largest HIV population-based surveys globally, providing critical data to shape policies and interventions through the assessment of HIV prevalence and related health indicators. A critical component of this initiative was ensuring that individuals diagnosed with HIV were promptly connected to appropriate care and treatment services – a complex challenge in a country with diverse healthcare landscapes. As National Coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim’s approach involved collaborating with community-Based Organization (CBO’s) in every state to facilitate active linkage to care. By integrating mobile health technology and real-time dashboards, he established a system that monitored and managed the linkage process efficiently. This innovative strategy ensured that individuals newly diagnosed with HIV received timely and accurate return of test results and significantly enhanced their access to antiretroviral therapy.

Under Dr. Ibrahim’s coordination, the NAIIS Linkage to care strategy achieved unprecedented success. Of the 2,739 people living with HIV identified during the survey, approximately 67.9% were successfully linked to care, with 70.9% of those initiated on ART. This proactive approach not only improved individual health outcomes but also contributed to broader public health goals by reducing HIV transmission rates.
The impact of Dr. El-Imam’s work extends beyond the NAIIS. The strategies he implemented have been adapted into Nigeria’s Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Surge initiative, further strengthening the country’s HIV response framework. His efforts have set a new standard for linkage to care processes, serving as a model for other public health programs

“This survey plays a pivotal role in understanding the national HIV burden and tailoring our response to meet the needs of affected communities,” Dr. Ibrahim explains. His meticulous coordination ensured that survey data translated into actionable healthcare services, bridging gaps between diagnosis and care.

In addition to operational oversight, Dr. Ibrahim developed frameworks to streamline the linkage-to-care process. His innovative approach prioritized patient-centered care, enabling individuals to access treatment promptly and reducing delays that could exacerbate health outcomes.

Dr. Ibrahim’s work highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies and international partners. By fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), he ensured the program’s success.

Speaking with the Project Director of the Center for Community Resource, Health, and Social Development (CCRHSD), a CBO from Benue state, he commented “Dr. Ibrahim’s leadership was instrumental in the success of our collaboration during the NAIIS project. His unwavering commitment and strategic guidance significantly enhanced our efforts in tracking and linking HIV-positive clients to care and treatment in Benue State. Working with him and the University of Maryland, Baltimore team was a transformative experience that greatly benefited our organization’s capacity and effectiveness.”
His efforts extended beyond technical implementation. He engaged communities across Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of participation and transparency in public health initiatives. “Community trust is essential in achieving sustainable health outcomes,” Dr. Ibrahim notes, stressing the value of public awareness and involvement.

Dr. Ibrahim’s goal has been to control the HIV epidemic in Nigeria. Working with guidelines of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets for HIV and World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy, his initiatives are crucial for achieving these milestones.