By Stanley Nwako
The 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 achievements, identifying challenges, and improving health sector outcomes in the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held on July 14, at the Ministry of Health Headquarters in Awka, the Anambra State Facilitator for the Mid-Term Review, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, said the strategic document serves as the medium-term development framework guiding the health sector at the federal, state, and local government levels.
According to him, the blueprint provides a framework for health departments and agencies to design programs, projects, and activities targeted at improving healthcare delivery. He explained that the strategy is built around four pillars, three enablers, 18 objectives, 27 priority initiatives, and 265 interventions, and is designed to guide the health sector from 2023 to 2027.
Dr. Nwokedi noted that the Mid-Term Review is intended to assess progress made so far and identify challenges affecting the implementation of key 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,” he said.
Key departments and agencies participating in the review include the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Medical Services, Nutrition, Immunization, the State Health Insurance Agency, and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency. The review will examine outputs and achievements recorded at the midpoints of 2024, 2025, and 2026, with participating departments expected to provide data on relevant indicators and interventions.
Dr. Nwokedi added that findings from the exercise would support the federal government and other stakeholders in making informed decisions and identifying priority interventions that can be fast-tracked to improve health outcomes. He said the review is also expected to strengthen the implementation of the strategic document in the remaining period.
In his remarks, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, described the Mid-Term Review as a critical exercise that will enable the state to assess progress in implementing key health interventions and identify areas requiring more attention.
Dr. Obidike said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo remains committed to strengthening the health system through evidence-based planning, improved service delivery, and effective use of health data. He urged all departments and agencies involved to provide accurate and comprehensive information, stressing that reliable data is critical to effective planning and 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,” Dr. Obidike stated.
The commissioner assured the review team of the ministry’s cooperation and reiterated the state government’s commitment to working with the federal government and relevant stakeholders to improve healthcare outcomes for Ndi Anambra.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, thanked the facilitator and stakeholders for their participation. She assured the team of the ministry’s readiness to provide necessary support for the success of 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,” Dr. Uchebo said.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
