LHSS Conducts Workshop with Local Partners in Nigeria to Discuss Determinants of Health System Performance Improvements

LHSS Nigeria recently organized a workshop in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. The workshop aimed to evaluate and identify improvements in the health system performance influenced by LHSS activities. Participants worked in thematic groups to pinpoint key performance determinants and the lessons learned for each.

Led by Dr. Elaine Baruwa, LHSS Regional Manager, and Dr. Ekpenyong Ekanem, LHSS Global Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Director, the workshop concluded with actionable recommendations. These recommendations, developed in collaboration with local partners and USAID Missions, are intended to sustain performance improvements beyond the project's lifecycle. These insights will be included in the Final Activity Report to USAID Missions.

The workshop saw participation from a wide array of national-level bodies and officials. Key attendees included the Ministerial Oversight Committee, National Health Insurance Authority, National Primary Health Care Development Authority, and National Action Committee on AIDS. Representatives from the five states where LHSS is active—Nasarawa, Plateau, Zamfara, Kano, and Lagos—also participated. These representatives included members of the State Oversight Committee, Executive Secretaries, Directors General of State Health Insurance Agencies, Executive Secretaries of State Primary Health Care Development Boards/Agencies, CEOs and Directors General of State Action Committee on AIDS, and State AIDS and STI Control Programme. Notably, Dr. Shekwonugaza Gwamna, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health, was present along with various health system stakeholders, USAID representatives, and other development partners.

As the LHSS project nears its final phase, we will focus on knowledge sharing and exchange sessions to compile and disseminate lessons learned and promising practices. These sessions are crucial for generating actionable insights that can enhance future health system performance and avoid past challenges. This proactive approach aims to contribute significantly to the global field of integrated health systems strengthening.