ANAMBRA GOVT ADOPTS SECTOR-WIDE APPROACH TO IMPROVE HEALTHCARE SERVICE
By Chukwudi Nwauba :
The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has adopted a Sector-Wide Approach to improve healthcare service delivery across the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said,” Few months ago, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with State Health Ministries and Partners launched the SWAP initiative.
“The aim of this initiative is to ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system transformed through a comprehensive strategy that is designed to address chronic issues within the health sector”.
He said this at the just concluded AOP 2025 SWAP process meeting in Awka.
“This is the reason we conducted a 2 day Management Committee meeting with all the health implementing partners in the state.’’
Dr. Obidike emphasized the importance of a sector-wide approach to health systems strengthening, noting that the collaborative strategy aims to integrate efforts across various sectors—Government, Private, and Civil Society.
Participants discussed the need for cohesive policies that address health issues not in isolation but as interrelated factors.
“This includes collaboration with sectors like education, finance, and agriculture to tackle social determinants of health.
“The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a new initiative to pool resources, encouraging countries to invest jointly in health systems. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to healthcare services, especially in underserved regions.”
Successful examples from countries such as Rwanda and Thailand were presented, showcasing how integrating health with other sectors has led to improved health metrics and community resilience.
The Leaders emphasized the role of local communities in shaping health strategies. Community-based approaches ensure that health interventions are culturally relevant and effective.
The summit also highlighted the role of technology in facilitating a sector-wide approach. Innovations in data sharing and telemedicine were cited as crucial tools for enhancing health service delivery.
“As countries grapple with ongoing health challenges, including pandemics and non-communicable diseases, the commitment to a sector-wide approach represents a significant step towards holistic health solutions.
The summit concluded with a call to action for governments, NGOs, and private sectors to prioritize collaboration. The potential benefits of this approach could reshape the landscape of global health, ensuring that no one is left behind.
According to Obidike, Anambra Health Sector under Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has received massive supports and what his government has achieved within few years in office is incomparable since the creation of the state.
The Commissioner thanked UNAIDS, WHO, UNICEF and other partners for their contributions in healthcare sector of the state.
*Chukwudi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State