By Kemi Olatunde

In its efforts in strengthening the healthcare system of Ondo State, a two day review and validation meeting of the state’s Annual Operational Plan (AOP) has been put in place.

The event,which is being organised by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), takes place in Akure on Tuesday and Wednesday ,March 24 and 25 ,2025 respectively.

In his opening remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo described the event as an affirmation of government commitment in strengthening the healthcare system and also ensuring that government policies, plans and strategies are well-aligned with the needs of residents.

According to him, the AOP is a critical tool for translating strategic health policies into actionable steps noting that “several activities had been carried out ranging from priorities setting by the stakeholders, training of Programme Officers to the harmonisation of the Ministry, Departments and Agencies drafted AOP document.”

While stressing the need for all to ensure that the document assessment and validation must adequately capture government priorities, leveraging on available resources, he stated that the state remains at the forefront of healthcare reforms in Nigeria due to stakeholders’ dedication.

He said; “Through your relentless efforts, we have made remarkable strides in maternal and new born child health, disease prevention and control, health infrastructural development and universal health insurance coverage.”

While expressing appreciation to stakeholders for their commitment and hard work, Odimayo called on stakeholders to actively engage in the process through the provision of constructive inputs,adding that they ensure that the AOP 2025 is implementable saying “our ultimate goal is to deliver high quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services to every resident of Ondo State.”

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Niran Ikuomola in his welcome address, described the AOP as a useful document for the enhancement of the health sector calling for the dissemination of the AOP information to affected stakeholders, adding that they make meaningful contributions in order to improve the system.

In his goodwill message, State lead, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Mr Ayedun Olamide State Lead, CHAI noted that the journey started in October 2024 with development of the State Road Map noting that the organisation with funding from Global Affairs Canada GAC has provided both financial and technical support implementation of the activities in the road map ranging from priorities setting by the key stakeholders, training of Programme Officers to the harmonisation of the Ministry, Departments and Agencies drafted AOP document.

He assured of the completion of the process by CHAI and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the state for creating a good environment for partners.

State Coordinator, Jhpiego, Emmanuel Alabi who noted that the organisation has implemented many projects in the state, called for continued support with the state.

State teamlead, APIN public health initiative, Dr. (Mrs) Folake Adurogbola assured the state of more support for the sector.

Teamlead, MSI, Kikelomo Akinmoyewa while thanking the state government for its tiredless efforts in ensuring that the sector is improved on, commended stakeholders for ensuring the achievement of the organisation ‘services.