By Blessing Odega

The Plateau Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health sector and improving service delivery through the continuous implementation of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in healthcare financing, coordination and governance.

Dr Nicholas Baamlong, the state Commissioner for Health, stated this on Tuesday during the state’s SWAp first quarter performance dialogue review meeting in Jos.

Baamlong said the review meeting brought together government officials, development partners, healthcare managers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to assess progress made in implementing the initiative across the state’s health sector.

According to him, the dialogue is also aimed at identifying gaps, addressing emerging challenges and developing strategies to improve coordination, accountability and efficiency in healthcare delivery across the state.

“The review engagement is aimed at evaluating achievements, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to improve coordination, accountability, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

“It is also an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the level of implementation of agreed priorities and collectively chart a way forward for improved health outcomes in Plateau,” he said.

The commissioner explained that SWAp was a framework designed to align government priorities, donor interventions and stakeholder activities under a unified health sector plan to ensure better outcomes and optimal use of available resources.

He noted that the approach was critical to reducing duplication of programmes, strengthening transparency and ensuring that investments in the health sector directly benefited residents of the state.

Baamlong further stressed the importance of collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies, healthcare providers and development partners in achieving sustainable reforms and expanding access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

He said the state government remained committed to improving primary healthcare services, enhancing disease surveillance, strengthening healthcare infrastructure and building the capacity of health workers across the state.

According to him, effective implementation of SWAp principles will also support evidence-based planning, improved monitoring and evaluation, and efficient allocation of resources within the health sector.

Also speaking, Dr Opeyemi Fadeyibi, Monitoring and Evaluation Performance Management Lead at the National SWAp Office, commended Plateau for being among the states implementing SWAp principles effectively.

Fadeyibi described the review process as essential for measuring progress, promoting accountability and ensuring that healthcare interventions were aligned with national priorities and the needs of citizens.

She expressed optimism that sustained implementation of SWAp principles would help Plateau strengthen its health system, address existing challenges and improve healthcare access and service delivery for residents.

According to her, stronger collaboration between governments and development partners is necessary to achieve universal health coverage and build resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to emerging public health challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the review meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to align with national health sector reforms and deliver more effective, inclusive and people-centred healthcare services across Plateau. (NAN)

Edited by Gabriel Yough