Awka 5^th November 2017 - In a two days’ workshop to develop a multiyear plan for 2018 for a European Union (EU) supported project which is implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO), stakeholders in the health sector expressed satisfaction with the benefits of the project.

The European Union (EU) funded project ‘Strengthening the Nigeria Health System towards achieving Universal Health Coverage’ is a five million euro (€5m) Grant to WHO from the 11^th European Development Fund in support of the EU funded project. The project is implemented at the federal level and in Anambra and Sokoto States.

In order to ensure the inclusion of beneficiary needs and plans into the project, WHO and the Anambra state health ministry held a two day workshop with stakeholders to develop the project multiyear plan as well as 2018 operational plans.

The project plan development is a culmination of the activities marking the inception phase of the project including situation analysis of the various components. The plan is aimed at addressing all issues identified from the assessments conducted within the inception phase period; provide clarity on implementation approaches and specifying clear roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.

Commenting on the health system strengthening project, Ms. Ebere Onyesoro from the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Awka, alluded that “the project has great potential in turning around aspects of data management in the state. The bottom-up approach used is commendable and will proffer solutions to real problems by non-grass root stakeholders”

“This project provides an opportunity to improve the health of Anambra citizenry through its concerted attention to health system revitalization” says Mrs. Edith Nwachukwu of the State Ministry of Health. The project plan development aims to provide clarity on implementation approaches and specifying clear roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders.

Reacting on the plan to situate the project in their state, Mr. Okey Onyeka a Civil Society activist who also attended the workshop said “We are pleased that the project is coming to the State at this time when the health sector is going through a lot of challenges. The benefits will not be limited to capacity development and improved programming but will boost staff morale in the health sector. Be assured that the Civil Society Organizations will monitor closely to ensure our collective plan is achieved”.

It is believed that the project also has great potential in turning around aspects of data management in the state as bottom-up approach is employed.

Led by the Head of Planning, Research and Statistics of Anambra State Ministry of Health with support from WHO participants at the workshop were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, State Health Management Board, Local Government Service Commission, State Population Commission, State Bureau of Statistics, Civil Society Organizations, State health Insurance Agency, members of the academic communities and service providers.