The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced data collection for the Mid-Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint as part of efforts to assess progress in implementing key health interventions, identify existing challenges and strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The exercise, which began at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Awka, is reviewing the implementation of the 2023–2027 Health Sector Strategic Blueprint to provide evidence for policy decisions and improved 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.
Dr. Nwokedi explained that the blueprint provides the framework through which ministries, departments and agencies develop programmes, projects and activities aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
He noted that the blueprint is anchored on four strategic pillars, supported by three enablers, 18 objectives, 27 priority initiatives and 265 interventions designed to improve Nigeria’s health sector between 2023 and 2027.
According to him, the Mid-Term Review will assess the 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,” Dr. Nwokedi said.
He added that the findings would assist the Federal Government and other stakeholders in making evidence-based decisions, identify priority interventions requiring accelerated implementation and strengthen the execution of the strategic blueprint during its remaining years.
Responding, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, described the review as a vital exercise that would enable the state to evaluate progress in implementing key health programmes and identify areas requiring greater attention.
Dr. Obidike reaffirmed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s health system through evidence-based planning, improved service delivery and the effective use of health data.
He urged all participating departments and agencies to provide accurate and comprehensive information, stressing that reliable data remains essential 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,” the commissioner said.
He 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 and assured the review team of the ministry’s full support throughout the exercise.
“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 Anambra State.
The review involves key health sector departments and agencies, 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.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
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.
