By Katherine Abayomi
The Rivers State Ministry of Health, with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has organized a four-day capacity building workshop aimed at developing realistic and effective operational health plans for 2026. The initiative is designed to improve public health outcomes and guide the state’s health budget.
The workshop is part of a nationwide initiative taking place across all 36 states, aligning with the “One Plan, One Budget, One Report” framework to harmonize health planning and budgeting across the country.
With the theme, “Realistic and Effective 2026 Annual Operational Plan That Informs Health Budget for the People of Rivers State,” the event brought together selected health managers to strengthen their capacity in evidence-based planning under Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mekele Comfort Igwe, described the workshop as a vital step toward addressing health challenges in the state through strategic planning and collaboration.
“Today marks another step in our journey toward effective health planning for the people of Rivers State. This workshop builds on the foundation laid by the Master Trainers’ training held in Abuja from June 30 to July 4. We are here to cascade that knowledge to ensure more people are equipped for the tasks ahead,” she said.
Dr. Igwe decried Nigeria’s ranking as the global capital for maternal mortality, calling it “a slap on our faces,” and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative. She also appreciated development partners for their ongoing financial and technical support under the new funding arrangement.
Also speaking, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, representing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to health sector transformation through President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the ongoing reforms are designed to reduce the physical and financial burdens of healthcare on Nigerians, expand insurance coverage, and boost local production of medical equipment and consumables.
“We are here to support Rivers State in strengthening the capacity of its health workforce. The goal is simple—save lives, reduce pain, and provide quality healthcare for all Nigerians. These reforms are built on a strategic blueprint that includes four pillars, three enablers, 27 priority initiatives, and 265 interventions,” Nwokedi said.
Dr. Juhanne Woke, Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, explained that the July timing of the workshop aligns with the national health planning cycle.
“This program is a vital part of preparing for the 2026 health sector budget. By Quarter 3 of each year, we are expected to begin planning using data and evidence generated within the current year,” he said.
He encouraged participants not to lose faith in the process, acknowledging past frustrations but urging them to see the workshop as a step toward meaningful reform.
“I know some of us may be weary with the thought of ‘same old garbage in, garbage out.’ But I urge you to believe that meaningful change starts small. Let us all pull in one direction toward better health outcomes,” he concluded.
