Abuja: The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a renewed focus on fostering accountable, inclusive, and effective health management to enhance service delivery. The announcement was made by the Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, during a capacity development training session for health managers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training was organized by the Federal Minister of Health and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office. It aims to strengthen leadership in health planning and create a pragmatic plan to guide health budgets for FCT residents. Dr. Fasawe emphasized the need for a cohesive strategy to align donor resources, government policies, and community needs, anchored in the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. The training seeks to enhance leadership and technical skills among health managers, focusing on strategic health planning, data-informed decision-making, and equitable resource allocation.
Dr. Fasawe highlighted the significance of the training in addressing unique challenges faced by the FCT, such as improving referral systems and expanding access in underserved areas. The initiative involves collaboration with area councils, development partners, civil society, and frontline health managers to transform the healthcare landscape in the FCT. Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu, the acting Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics at FCT HSES, and SWAp Coordinator, identified challenges like poor access and weak coordination in the health sector. She noted that SWAp aims to create a sustainable health sector in line with the National Health Act.
Furthermore, Dr. Kumshida Balami, the FCT Coordinator for WHO, underscored the importance of the training as Nigeria strives for universal health coverage. The workshop reflects a spirit of collaboration and innovation, aiming to enhance the Annual Operation Plan (AOP) planning process.