Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, speaking during the 2026 Health Sector Joint Annual Review meeting in Enugu.
The Enugu State Government has tasked health partners and stakeholders with translating government policies, investments and strategic plans into measurable improvements in health outcomes across the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the charge on Saturday in Enugu while declaring open the 2026 Enugu State Health Sector Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting.
He said the state remained committed to building a stronger, more responsive and resilient health system.
Ugwu called for renewed commitment, accountability and collective action to strengthen healthcare delivery, while commending Governor Peter Mbah for sustained investments, reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
He said the review would enable stakeholders to assess implementation of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, identify gaps and bottlenecks, and agree on practical measures to improve performance.
The commissioner said the meeting provided an opportunity for government and development partners to take stock of progress and strengthen accountability in the health sector.
He said the outcome would help ensure that policies and investments translate into tangible improvements in the health status of residents.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr George Nwachi, said the review was important for accountability, evidence-based decision-making and effective implementation of health programmes.
He urged stakeholders to critically assess achievements and challenges, close implementation gaps and establish realistic priorities for improved service delivery.
The technical sessions included a presentation of the 2025 JAR resolutions by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Ann Oguejiofor, to provide a basis for assessing progress on previously agreed actions.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer, Mrs Uju Ewoh, presented an update on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII), while the State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Obodo, presented the validated JAR template for assessing health-sector performance using reliable data and measurable indicators.
The two-day stakeholders’ meeting is expected to provide a basis for developing the 2027 Annual Operational Plan and further strengthen Enugu State’s efforts to deliver efficient and people-centred healthcare services.
