Edinburgh Napier University is committed to advancing global health equity by delivering research that transcends borders and transforms lives. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative, person-centred approaches, we strive to influence policy, improve care, and create sustainable solutions that ensure every individual - regardless of geography - has access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare.

Problem:

In Ghana, people living with HIV/AIDS often face distressing symptoms and concerns even while on medication. Beyond managing the virus, they struggle with physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs that are rarely addressed in standard care. This gap leaves many feeling unheard and unsupported, impacting their overall quality of life.

Solution:

Edinburgh Napier University, led by Dr Mary Abboah-Offei, is spearheading the Extra Community-based Enhanced Care Intervention (ExtraCECI) - a pioneering person-centred approach to HIV care. Backed by a £1.5 million Medical Research Council grant, this project brings together experts from King’s College London, University of York, and University of Ghana.

Transforming HIV care beyond borders 

At Edinburgh Napier University, we believe research should change lives - not just locally, but globally. The Extra Community-based Enhanced Care Intervention (ExtraCECI) project embodies this vision. While rooted in Ghana, its implications reach far beyond one country, setting a precedent for how HIV care can evolve worldwide.

The challenge is universal: people living with HIV often experience complex physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs that standard treatment models fail to address. ExtraCECI responds by introducing a holistic, person-centred approach that empowers individuals to shape their own care. This isn’t just about medication; it’s about dignity, voice, and wellbeing.

Building partnerships for lasting change

Supported by a £1.5 million Medical Research Council grant, ExtraCECI brings together leading minds from Edinburgh Napier University, King’s College London, University of York, and University of Ghana. This collaboration is more than academic; it’s a global partnership aimed at creating evidence that can influence health policy and practice across continents. By trialling this model with 650 participants in Ghana, we are generating insights that could transform HIV services in Africa and inform care strategies worldwide.

For Edinburgh Napier University, this project reflects our commitment to applied research with real-world impact. It demonstrates how a Scottish institution can lead innovation that resonates globally - bridging communities, shaping international health agendas, and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The lessons learned here will not only improve lives in Ghana but will ripple across borders, inspiring new standards of care for millions living with HIV.