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FG, Kwara train over 70 health managers on annual operational plans

by Editor July 17, 2025

written by Editor

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and social welfare has commenced a four-day training programme for over 70 Programme Officers and Managers on Annual Operation Programme (AOP).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is part of ongoing reforms under the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRI).

The theme of the programme is entitled: “Leadership, Health System Strengthening, and Health Planning Capacity Development.”

In her remarks, the Kwara Commissioner of Health Dr Aminat El-Imam said the goal of programme is to ensure a collective design and implementation of the 2026 State Health Sector AOP that will inform budgeting and policy direction.

“It is also important to emphasize that in all health-related activities, we must ensure that the right people are engaged, including those with the technical know-how, the passion, and the integrity to drive meaningful change in our health system,” she said.

The commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Taoheed Abdullah said the workshop was aimed at addressing some of the challenges faced in the last AOP development.

He added that this includes time constraints, cumbersome tools and unexpected change in the roadmap from the Federal Ministry of Health among others.

El-Imam stated that the government is adopting a Google-based tool that ensures seamless integration, and streamlining the application of these tools to enhance efficiency.

She encourage healthcare workers to make the most of this opportunity use these tools effectively and start early to ensure your success in this year’s operation development”.

The Commissioner further said that the workshop presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the leadership, systems, and planning capacities.

El-Imam expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Co-ordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate for their visionary leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The NHSRI, as you are aware, is a product of this vision, coordinated under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector in a holistic and sustainable manner,” she said.

She also commended Gov AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq whose passion for better health for citizens align seamlessly with the objectives of the initiative.

Speaking on the sidelines of the training, the State Coordinator for SWAP, Dr Ahmed Ola explained that the training initiative is aimed at boosting health sector planning and coordination across the state and local government areas in preparation for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan.

He stated that the essence of the SWAp programme is to ensure coordination and uniformity in the health system in Nigeria.

“The focus for 2026, plan would be on realistic, rational, and people-centred plans that are budget-integrated and data-informed” he stated

“We must close technical capacity gaps, strengthen data systems, and equip programme officers with skills in systems thinking, data interpretation, and evidence-based planning,” he stated

According to him ,This approach has been recognized as a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

July 17, 2025 0 comment 9 views

Obstetrics: Kwara trains 60 healthcare workers on Maternal, newborn care

by Editor February 13, 2024

written by Editor

The Kwara Government on Monday in Omuaran commenced a 10 days intensive training of 60 healthcare workers across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the10 days intensive training is on Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care.

In her welcoming address, Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency explained that the programme is a buildup of several years of dedicated hard work.

According to her, the state government commitment to healthcare, deems it fit to increase the indices on quality of services.

“This year the quality of healthcare services is central. The government has committed a lot of resources in improving health infrastructures across the state.

“The next step is to increase and improve the healthcare services across the 16 local government area of the state,” she said.

Elelu stated that the government of AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara wants to transcend and give the minimum training to improve quality of healthcare to mothers and infants.

She added that the government had approved the improvement of quality, knowledge and skills to care for pregnant women who want to deliver thier babies.

The Executive secretary submitted that in 2020 about 94,276 women were recorded to attend for antenatal care across the Primary Health Care (PHCs) across the state.

She explained further that by 2023 there was significant increase of about 422, 631, 000 women who attend antenatal care, adding that this calls for commensurate services to cater for the rising number.

” Perception of healthcare workers is important and we are prepared to get participants of this training on board. And at the end of the 10 days intensive training, they will be certified,” she said.

Elelu therefore urge the participants to take the training with all sence of responsibility to handle the over 400,000 mothers who access antenatal care in the state.

She expressed hope and expectations that the training will improve healthcare services and greatly reduce maternal and newborn mortality.

Also in his address, Dr Micahel Oguntoye, the Director of Primary HealthCare Services stated that the training is a result of the hardwork from the Agency, which won several awards for exemplary and outstanding performances.

He added that the proceed from the award is what is translated in the training of health care workers in order to build their capacity.

Oguntoye noted that the Agency has engaged the services of some of the best facilitators in Africa.

The director lamented that Nigeria still carry high burden of maternal and neonatal deaths, many of which are unregistered.

He reiterated on the need to change the narrative, adding that this is possible when healthcare workers are available and with the necessary knowledge and know-how.

Prof. Adebayo Muhammad, the Lead Facilitator of the training, stated that the training will ensure that all participants improve thier knowledge on emergency obstetrics and newborn care.

He added that the training will also equip healthcare workers with skills on essential obstetrics and newborn care, among others.

Muhammad therefore urge the participants to utilise the knowledge acquired to achieve success in bringing down maternal and newborn mortality in the state.(NAN)

February 13, 2024 0 comment 56 views

Health News

Civil society trains 50 Kwara health workers on Gender Base Violence

by Editor November 19, 2022

written by Editor

A Civil Society, Stand to End Rape Initiative has trained 50 healthcare workers in Kwara on the Clinical Management of Sexual, Gender Base Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Speaking at the occasion, Miss Oluwaseun Osowobi, the Executive Secretary of the Initiative explained that the training is a two-week capacity building of health care workers and other crucial stakeholders to provide women and girls experiencing gender-based violence with first-line support.

She explained that the training is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, and support of the Ford Foundation.

According to her, it is critical for all stakeholders to get information about GBV, its consequences, and the role of health care workers when seeking help.

She explained further that GBV is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies.

Osowobi stated that the Primary Health Care (PHC) are the closest healthcare providers to the communities and getting them for the trainig becomes imperative.

She added that it is expected that at the end of training, healthcare providers and other stakeholders will be able to perform their roles effectively in tackling the menace of GBV with holistic approach and more experience.

“We appeal to the government to pay more attention to preventive measures. Ensure laws are enforced and implemented to punish perpetrators, and support the care of survivors,” she said.

She explained that the Stand to End Rape initiative has the mandate to improve partnership among health professionals groups that work on GBV, give care and support, and also build effective network for knowledge updating.

Also speaking, Dr Raji Razaq, Kwara Commissioner of Health who was represented by Dr Abubakar Ayinla, the Permanent Secretary of the Kwara Ministry for Health commended the initiative on the the training.

Speaking also, Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director Primary Health Care Development Agency noted that GBV is violence directed against a person because of their gender.

He added that both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls.

Mrs Madinat Idris, Director of the Kwara Ministry of Women Affairs observed that the ministry now has the Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the General Hospital to look into the issues of GBV.

She stated further that because reporting violence can have repercussions for women who are experiencing it, health care providers need guidance on how to provide help carefully and confidentially.

Idris therefore commended the Civil Society and other partners for the initiatives.

In his goodwill, Dr Chris Elemuwa, the Director, Community Health Services Department, National Health Care Development Agency headquarters, Abuja, advised other civil organisations to ensure their activities are in tandem with that of the Federal Ministry’s.

He pointed out that when it come to evaluation, little acknowledgement is given to the agency.

Elemuwa emphasised the importance of PHCs across the country on the health of people, adding that there is need for them to be trained constantly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participant cuts across 15 PHCs, Police, Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

November 19, 2022 0 comment 253 views