Lagos aligns health sector goals with five-day strategic workshop
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has launched a five-day intensive workshop, the 2025 Lagos State Health Sector Annual Operational Harmonization Workshop, aimed at synchronizing health initiatives across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in Lagos.
The event, held at the Orchid Hotel in Lekki from October 28 to November 1, 2024, brings together senior officials and key representatives from health agencies to establish a cohesive roadmap for the upcoming year.
The workshop seeks to streamline resources, eliminate duplications, and ensure a unified approach across health programs in Lagos State. Participants include planning and program officers from the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board, Health Districts, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Development partners and stakeholders are also actively engaged, reflecting the state government’s dedication to inclusive and comprehensive health planning.
Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, visited the workshop, emphasizing the importance of the AOP aligning with the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) strategy.
According to Dr. Ogboye, the SWAp coordinating office recently increased strategic engagement across health sector stakeholders, laying the groundwork for improved coordination and effective resource management.
“Earlier in October, we held a Top Management Committee meeting to validate state-specific priorities within the HSSB,” Dr. Ogboye explained. “This workshop aims to provide clear guidance for these priorities, reinforcing Lagos’s health agenda for 2025.”
Aligning with national health priorities also bolsters Lagos’s eligibility for grants, such as those from the World Bank’s HOPE Project, which supports health governance reforms. Dr. Ogboye noted the benefit of coordinating the AOP with the state’s budget cycle, which would enhance funding accuracy and mitigate potential gaps.
“A synchronized approach will strengthen our ability to meet the healthcare needs of Lagos residents,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of accurate data collection to support health initiatives. “Reliable data is vital for evaluating progress and ensuring accountability,” he added.
Reflecting on the progress of the workshop, Dr. Ogboye praised the participants’ dedication and the unity within the sector. “I am truly proud of the team’s commitment to our shared vision of one plan and one budget,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for partners like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, UNFPA, and the Global Fund, whose support has been essential for Lagos’s health sector. “Out of 36 states, we’re fortunate to have their support,” he acknowledged.
Dr. Jumoke Oyenuga, Director of Health Care Planning, Research, and Statistics, opened the workshop, highlighting the goal of integrating each health initiative into the AOP for 2025.
“This workshop is crucial for crafting a structured operational plan that targets key health interventions,” she stated, adding that collaboration across MDAs is essential to enhance service delivery and prevent overlaps.
A core focus of the workshop includes a detailed review of the Situation Analysis (SITAN) and the MDAs’ Annual Operational Plans, with participants conducting SWOT analyses to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. “These assessments will ensure the AOP is actionable and well-supported,” Dr. Oyenuga explained.
“Participants have been working late into the night to finalize templates that define the responsibilities and objectives of each MDA for the coming year.”
As the workshop progresses, it is clear that Lagos is laying the foundation for a coordinated and impactful healthcare system in 2025, aligned with state, national, and global health priorities.
