Health leaders and managers across Taraba State have begun a four-day capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing leadership skills, strengthening the health system, and improving strategic planning to better healthcare delivery in the state.

The training, which started in Jalingo, is organised by the Taraba State Ministry of Health with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) programme. It is intended to prepare participants for the development of the state’s 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP).

Participants were selected from departments and agencies under the Taraba State Ministry of Health, as well as from the health departments of all 16 local government areas in the state.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Harmony Chufor, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that the AOP translates into real and effective results.

“All hands must be on deck to make this plan a reality,” Chufor urged, noting that the AOP includes robust monitoring and evaluation systems to promote accountability and continuous improvement.

Speaking during the event, Pharm. Reuben Nwunuji explained that the workshop is designed to empower health officials with skills in leadership and health system strengthening while equipping them for the development of the 2026 AOP.

“This year, our direction is to have an AOP that is rational, realistic, pragmatic, and comprehensive enough to inform the 2026 health budget for the state,” Nwunuji said.

He observed that the process for the 2026 AOP was shaped by lessons learned from the 2025 plan, emphasising the importance of setting measurable targets and realistic implementation strategies at all levels of healthcare delivery.

Nwunuji encouraged participants to see their selection for the training as a chance to make a meaningful contribution to health sector reforms.

He cautioned against allowing the AOP to become “a policy tucked away on shelves,” stressing the need for practical implementation in primary health centres, local government health teams, secondary health facilities, and communities.

Key priorities in the new plan include extending health insurance coverage, promoting digital health innovations, and enhancing preparedness for public health emergencies.

Nwunuji also reaffirmed Governor Agbu Kefas’s commitment to reform the state’s health sector, noting significant progress since the governor took office.

Meanwhile, Garkumyebiyi Richard, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the State Ministry of Health, introduced participants to the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Primary Health Care Provision Strengthening Programme.

He explained that the HOPE Health project is a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at supporting both federal and state governments to implement the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and SWAp reforms.

The HOPE Program is a three-part effort focusing on governance, education, and health as key pillars of human capital development,” Richard said. He added that the initiative aims to unify healthcare workers around shared goals and promote collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies, and development partners.

Stakeholders and experts who spoke with The Guardian expressed optimism that, with the new AOP, Taraba State is well-positioned to build a more resilient, inclusive, and effective healthcare system.

Among the facilitators and dignitaries present were Dr. Abbe Aggbu, Director of Public Health at the State Ministry of Health, and directors from the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency.