.….As State Health Sector Sets Sights on Unified Goals for 2025
By Husain Legbo Husain
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has launched the 2025 Health Sector Annual Operational Harmonization Workshop, a focused five-day initiative to unify the state’s health objectives. Bringing together leaders and officials from various health ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), this workshop is dedicated to refining and aligning the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) across the entire sector.
Designed to foster collaboration and strategic cohesion, the workshop sets the groundwork for a synchronized approach to health services in Lagos, ensuring that all MDAs work towards common targets in delivering efficient, high-quality healthcare. This united front aims to address public health needs more effectively, preparing the health sector for a seamless and impactful 2025.
In a press release signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that with the launch of this workshop, the Lagos State Ministry of Health aims to establish a unified roadmap for health initiatives that will streamline operations and boost efficiency across agencies. By promoting strategic alignment, the Ministry is focused on optimizing resources, reducing overlaps, and fostering collaboration. This coordinated approach ensures that every agency is working toward shared goals, making Lagos’ health sector better prepared to serve the public’s needs in 2025 and beyond.
Hosted at Orchid Hotel in Lekki, Lagos State’s five-day Health Sector Harmonization Workshop runs from Monday, October 28, to Friday, November 1, 2024. This pivotal event gathers key health officials, representatives from various health agencies, departments, and critical development partners—all essential stakeholders in the state’s health ecosystem. Together, they aim to build a cohesive strategy for the 2025 health agenda, strengthening partnerships and aligning efforts to ensure that Lagos is set to deliver impactful, well-coordinated healthcare services in the coming year.
The workshop’s participants feature a diverse team of planning, program, and desk officers from key health bodies, including the State Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board, Health Districts, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. This dynamic gathering underscores the government’s commitment to a thorough and inclusive planning process, engaging a broad range of expertise to ensure that every layer of Lagos’ health infrastructure is aligned. By fostering collaboration among these critical players, the workshop sets the stage for a robust, unified strategy that reflects the state’s dedication to accessible, quality healthcare for all residents in 2025.
In a visit to the workshop yesterday, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasized the crucial role of the diverse stakeholders in attendance. He highlighted that their combined expertise is key to aligning the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) with the overarching Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiatives. Dr. Ogboye praised the participants’ commitment, underscoring that their collaborative efforts will drive a cohesive, sector-wide strategy that strengthens the future of Lagos’ healthcare system.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye shared that the SWAp coordinating office has intensified its strategic engagements with health stakeholders throughout Lagos, setting the stage for stronger coordination and smarter resource management. This proactive approach aims to unify efforts and foster synergy across the sector, ensuring that every initiative and resource is optimally aligned with Lagos’ health objectives. Through these strengthened partnerships, the SWAp office is driving a more cohesive, efficient health sector prepared to meet the needs of Lagosians.
Dr. Ogboye explained that, as part of Lagos’ SWAp implementation plan, a Top Management Committee meeting was convened earlier in October, gathering senior officials to define and confirm the state’s unique priorities within the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB). This high-level session not only set the strategic direction for Lagos’ 2025 health agenda but also provided clear guidance for the workshop participants. With this solidified roadmap, the health sector is primed to tackle the year ahead with a focused, unified approach.
Dr. Ogboye highlighted that aligning Lagos’ health priorities with the national Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) not only sharpens the state’s healthcare focus but also boosts its prospects for vital funding opportunities. This strategic alignment enhances Lagos’ eligibility for grants, including support from the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which funds health governance reforms and elevates service delivery. Such backing would further empower Lagos to improve healthcare access and outcomes, reinforcing its commitment to a healthier future for all residents.
Moreso, Dr. Ogboye underscored the critical need to align the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) with the state’s budgeting cycle. “Ideally, the AOP should have been finalized prior to the complete drafting of the state budget,” he remarked, emphasizing that such timing would facilitate more accurate funding projections and help minimize funding gaps. By adopting this synchronized approach, he argued, the government would be better equipped to address the healthcare needs of Lagos residents effectively, ensuring that financial resources are optimally allocated to support public health initiatives.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized the critical role of robust data collection and tracking systems in advancing health initiatives, asserting that reliable data is essential for effectively monitoring and evaluating progress. “Accurate data sources are fundamental for successful follow-up and performance assessment,” he stated, highlighting that a solid data framework not only enhances accountability but also informs strategic decision-making. By prioritizing data integrity, the health sector can better adapt and respond to the evolving needs of Lagos residents.
Dr. Ogboye expressed his admiration for the workshop’s progress, commending the participants for their exceptional dedication and the emerging unity within the health sector. “I am truly proud of our team’s commitment to operating as one—aligned under a single plan and budget,” he stated. This collaborative spirit, he noted, is essential for advancing Lagos’s healthcare agenda and ensuring that all residents benefit from a cohesive and effective health strategy. By fostering teamwork and shared objectives, the participants are laying a strong foundation for a healthier future in Lagos.
Dr. Ogboye also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to key partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, UNFPA, and the Global Fund, whose invaluable support has been instrumental in shaping Lagos State’s health strategies. “Among the 36 states, we are truly grateful that they have chosen to stand with us,” he remarked, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare in Lagos. This partnership not only strengthens the state’s initiatives but also reflects a shared vision for improving health outcomes for all residents.
Kicking off the session, Dr. Jumoke Oyenuga, Director of Health Care Planning, Research, and Statistics at the State Ministry of Health, emphasized that the workshop’s primary objective is to fully integrate all health initiatives planned for 2025 into the Annual Operational Plan (AOP). She underscored the importance of this integration in creating a cohesive strategy that aligns with the broader goals of the health sector, ensuring that every initiative is effectively coordinated and positioned for success in the coming year.
“This workshop is vital for developing a structured operational plan that focuses on key intervention areas,” Dr. Oyenuga stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). She emphasized that such cooperation is crucial for avoiding redundancies and enhancing the overall effectiveness of health service delivery. By working together, the stakeholders can create a more streamlined and impactful framework that better serves the health needs of the community.
Dr. Oyenuga explained that a primary goal of the workshop is to cultivate alignment among ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and development partners. By fostering this synergy, the workshop aims to promote a unified approach to healthcare delivery across Lagos, ensuring that all stakeholders work collaboratively towards common objectives. This coordinated effort is essential for enhancing the quality and accessibility of health services for all residents.
Dr. Oyenuga highlighted that a central component of the five-day workshop is a comprehensive review of the Situation Analysis (SITAN) alongside the Annual Operational Plans from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The workshop delves into SWOT analyses—evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—to ensure that the 2025 AOP effectively addresses potential challenges while leveraging available resources and capabilities. “These assessments are designed to refine operational plans, ensuring that all activities are thoroughly supported and actionable,” she emphasized, underscoring the workshop’s commitment to strategic effectiveness in health service delivery.
Dr. Oyenuga revealed that participants have been diligently focused on completing and refining the Annual Operational Plan (AOP) templates, making sure that the responsibilities and objectives of each ministry, department, and agency (MDA) are clearly articulated. She noted that the commitment of the participants is evident, as many have worked late into the night to ensure the accuracy of these templates. Their efforts are aimed at supporting effective health sector planning for the upcoming year, reflecting a strong dedication to enhancing healthcare delivery in Lagos.
In conclusion however, as the workshop advances, Lagos State is gearing up to forge a unified health sector that aligns with local, national, and global health priorities. Participants are diligently working to finalize the Annual Operational Plan (AOP), which will provide a strategic framework for the state’s health initiatives in 2025. This well-crafted plan aims to ensure a coordinated and effective healthcare delivery system that meets the diverse needs of Lagos’s population. By the workshop’s conclusion, the foundation will be set for a healthier future for all residents, reflecting a commitment to impactful health outcomes.
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