By Chris Chikelue
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has commenced capacity building for Programme Officers on the implementation of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan (AOP), reinforcing its commitment to evidence based planning and improved healthcare delivery across the state.
The one day step down training, organized by the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), was held on August 4, at the ministry’s conference room in Awka. It brought together programme officers to strengthen their capacity for effective planning, coordination and implementation of health programmes in line with national priorities.
Addressing participants, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. John Paul Onyekineso, urged them to actively participate in the training and contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of a robust AOP that will sustain Anambra’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading performing states in the health sector.
He explained that the training was designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB), the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s framework for health sector planning, coordination and performance management.
According to Dr. Onyekineso, the blueprint provides a framework for aligning state health priorities, development partners’ interventions and budgetary allocations with national health goals under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that every state is expected to develop an evidence based AOP before the preparation of state and federal budgets, ensuring that health programmes are properly prioritized and adequately funded.
“The AOP is a critical planning instrument that guides health sector interventions, resource allocation and partner coordination. It aligns state priorities with national health goals and remains one of the key requirements for accessing federal and development partner support,” he said.
Dr. Onyekineso added that the current exercise focuses on the preparation and implementation of the 2027 AOP, stressing that all proposed activities must align with the state’s budget framework to improve implementation, accountability and opportunities for technical and financial support.
Participants described the training as timely and insightful, saying it enhanced their understanding of strategic planning, programme prioritization, inter agency collaboration and results based implementation.
They expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would strengthen the delivery of health programmes, improve coordination among stakeholders and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for residents of Anambra State.
Chris Chikelue is of the Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Awka
