By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Stakeholders in the health sector on Wednesday held a joint annual review meeting aimed at assessing programme performance, evaluating resource distribution and reviewing outcomes.
The meeting promotes multi-sectoral coordination, setting clear priorities for the upcoming year and ensuring alignment with national health rules.
Speaking at the meeting, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continuous improvement, focusing on measurable outcomes and tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Noting that collaboration is key to achieving a resilient, equitable and responsive health sector, Pate said the federal government is taking bold steps to tackle the alarmingly high maternal mortality rate in Nigeria.
He noted that the Joint Annual Review, JAR, was a crucial platform in advancing the principles of SWAD, bringing together stakeholders to reflect on the progress made, evaluate challenges and identify areas for further improvement.
According to him, JAR is integral in ensuring that all voices-across government levels, the private sector and development partners are part of the “One Conversation” which seeks to align efforts towards shared health objectives.
In his opening remarks, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle appreciated the efforts of the coordinating minister, Commissioners and permanent secretary that have gone into preparing for this sector-wide approach.
“We are here with the sector-wide approach that will ensure prompt, affordable and sustainable healthcare to all Nigerians.
“We must put this approach through the lens of accountability, monitoring and evaluation to track the progress of our collective agreement, to do that is to agree on a baseline on the format of JAR going forward.
“The Joint Annual Review is a vital instrument for health sector stakeholders to assess performance, evaluate resource distribution and review outcomes or issues that need to be addressed to improve performance,” he said.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Kachollom Daju Kachollom said the joint annual review provides the platform for stakeholders to assess programme performance, evaluate resource distribution and review outcomes.
She said it is aimed at promoting multisectoral coordination and set clear priorities for the upcoming year, ensuring that all stakeholders align with our national health rules.
