Health Sector Strategy: Anambra begins mid-term review to improve service delivery

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced data collection for the Mid-Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, an exercise aimed at assessing progress made in implementing key health interventions, identifying challenges and strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.

The exercise, which began during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka, will evaluate the implementation of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint for 2023–2027 and provide evidence to guide policy decisions and improve health outcomes.

Speaking at the meeting, the Anambra facilitator for the Mid-Term Review data collection process, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, described the strategic blueprint as a medium-term development framework that guides health sector planning and implementation at the federal, state and local government levels.

According to him, the document provides the framework through which health ministries, departments and agencies develop programmes, projects and activities aimed at improving healthcare delivery.

“The blueprint is anchored on four strategic pillars, supported by three enablers, 18 objectives, 27 priority initiatives and 265 interventions designed to drive improvements in Nigeria’s health sector between 2023 and 2027.

“The Mid-Term Review will assess progress made so far and identify challenges affecting the implementation of critical health interventions.

“This exercise is not to indict any state or probe anybody. It is simply to document what has been achieved in the identified priority areas and highlight the challenges,” Nwokedi explained.

The review involves key departments and agencies within the health sector, including the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, the Department of Medical Services, the Nutrition and Immunisation Units, the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Participating agencies are expected to provide data on relevant performance indicators and interventions implemented between the midpoint of 2024 and 2026 to enable an objective assessment of achievements and existing gaps.

Nwokedi said the findings would assist the Federal Government and other stakeholders in making evidence-based decisions, identifying priority interventions requiring accelerated implementation and strengthening the execution of the strategic blueprint during its remaining years.

Responding, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike described the review as a vital exercise that would enable the state to evaluate progress made in implementing key health programmes and identify areas requiring greater attention.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to strengthening the state’s health system through evidence-based planning, improved service delivery and the effective use of health data.

Obidike urged all departments and agencies participating in the review to provide accurate and comprehensive information, stressing that reliable data remains indispensable for effective planning and informed decision-making.

“The review gives us an opportunity to look at what we have achieved, identify existing gaps and strengthen areas that require improvement.

“We must ensure that the information provided reflects the work being done across the health sector in Anambra State,” he said.

The commissioner assured the review team of the ministry’s full cooperation and reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare outcomes for residents.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, thanked participants for their commitment to the exercise and assured the review team of the ministry’s support throughout the process.

“Thank you so much for being here with us. We are ready to work with the team and provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this exercise,” she said.

The Mid-Term Review is expected to generate evidence that will guide future health policies, strengthen ongoing interventions and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services across the State.