By Chris Chikelue
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has concluded its 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR), with stakeholders identifying priorities to strengthen healthcare delivery, address implementation gaps and improve health outcomes across the state.
The two day review, held from Aug. 5 to Aug. 6 at the ministry’s conference room in Awka, brought together programme officers, development partners, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other health sector stakeholders to assess performance and set priorities for the coming year.
Declaring the meeting open, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Obiageli Uchebo, described the JAR as a platform for assessing progress, strengthening accountability and ensuring that health planning and interventions were evidence based.
Obidike highlighted the revitalisation of more than 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state under the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, saying the intervention had improved access to healthcare services at the grassroots.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), Dr John Paul Onyekineso, said the review assessed performance against key health indicators, targets and commitments at the state and Local Government Area (LGA) levels, while identifying achievements, challenges and implementation gaps.
He said participants also reviewed health survey, routine and administrative data, alongside major reforms and programmes, including the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), HOPE Programme and other national and state health initiatives.
“The essence of the Joint Annual Review is not merely to look at what we have achieved, but to critically examine what worked, what did not work, why the gaps exist, and what practical steps we need to take to improve performance,” Onyekineso said.
He said the review also aimed to build consensus on priority interventions, strengthen resource mobilisation and coordination, identify implementation bottlenecks and share best practices across programmes and LGAs, with contributions from development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
At the conclusion of the review, participants expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, saying the recommendations would guide health sector planning, resource allocation, policy implementation and programme delivery in Anambra, while reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to accountability, coordination and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
Chris Chikelue is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
