Anambra State Adopts Sector-Wide Approach to Transform Healthcare Delivery

The Anambra State Government, through its Ministry of Health, has embraced a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) aimed at enhancing healthcare service delivery across the state.

Speaking at the recently concluded AOP 2025 SWAP process meeting in Awka, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, revealed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy launched by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with state health ministries and partners, to address long-standing issues in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“The aim of this initiative is to ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system is transformed through a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle chronic challenges within the health sector,” Dr. Obidike stated.

The Commissioner noted that the Anambra State Government held a two-day Management Committee meeting with health implementing partners to solidify this approach. Dr. Obidike emphasized that the Sector-Wide Approach integrates the efforts of various stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and civil society, to strengthen healthcare systems.

Participants at the meeting stressed the need for cohesive policies that address health challenges as interconnected issues rather than isolated problems. Dr. Obidike highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration with sectors like education, finance, and agriculture to address social determinants of health, which are crucial to overall wellbeing.

The meeting also featured presentations on successful examples from countries such as Rwanda and Thailand, which have demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating healthcare with other sectors. These examples showed significant improvements in health outcomes and community resilience.

The role of technology in facilitating this sector-wide approach was also discussed. Innovations like data sharing and telemedicine were cited as key tools in improving healthcare service delivery across Anambra State.

“As countries continue to face ongoing health challenges, including pandemics and non-communicable diseases, the adoption of a sector-wide approach represents a significant step towards achieving holistic health solutions,” Dr. Obidike added.

He commended the support from international partners, including UNAIDS, WHO, and UNICEF, for their contributions to the state’s healthcare improvements. Under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, the health sector in Anambra State has received substantial support, leading to unparalleled achievements in the state’s healthcare infrastructure and services.

The summit concluded with a call to action, urging governments, NGOs, and private sectors to prioritize collaboration in order to reshape healthcare delivery, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all citizens, especially those in underserved regions.

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