The Rivers State Ministry of Health, with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has organized a 4-day capacity building workshop aimed at developing realistic and effective operational health plans for 2026 that will shape the state’s health budget and improve public health outcomes.
Themed “Realistic and Effective 2026 Annual Operational Plan That Informs Health Budget for the People of Rivers State,” the training brought together selected health managers across the state to enhance their capacity in evidence-based health 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 critical step in addressing the state’s health challenges through strategic planning and collaborative problem-solving.
“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.”
Dr. Igwe emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need to address maternal mortality, describing the country’s ranking as the global capital for maternal deaths as “a slap on our faces. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative and praised development partners for their continued support.
“I thank all our development partners for their unwavering commitment and financial support under the new funding arrangement. Their intervention has been crucial in helping us survive our worst health challenges,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, a representative from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the health sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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Dr. Nwokedi stated that the ongoing reforms are aimed at reducing physical and financial burdens on Nigerians seeking healthcare, increasing health insurance coverage, and promoting the local production of medical consumables and equipment.
“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.”
The Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Juhanne Woke, explained the rationale behind holding the workshop in July, noting that it aligns with the national health planning framework.
“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,” Dr. Woke said.
He called on participants not to lose faith in the system despite past frustrations. “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.”
The workshop is part of a nationwide exercise taking place across all 36 states of the federation, aimed at harmonizing state health budgets under the “One Plan, One Budget, One Report” framework.
