Kogi State Ministry of Health Launches State Joint Annual Review Task Force

By Rotimi Odofin

In alignment with Nigeria’s health and development sector policies and practices, the Kogi State Ministry of Health has established the State Joint Annual Review (JAR) Task Force. This initiative serves as a vital platform for the government, development partners, civil society, private sector, and communities to collaboratively evaluate the health sector’s performance, assess progress against established targets, and agree on actionable steps to enhance service delivery for the state’s residents.

Speaking at the inauguration event held at the Emergency Operations Center of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, highlighted the significant strides made by the Kogi State Government in fortifying the health system. These advancements include improved access to primary healthcare and expanded data utilization for informed decision-making, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and partners such as UNICEF, WHO, AHF, Sightsavers, CIHP, ARF, Global Fund and Chigeri Foundation. Dr. Adeiza noted improvements in maternal and child health indicators, immunization coverage, and disease surveillance, while acknowledging that further progress is necessary.

The Commissioner for Health, Who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Maji Enoch, emphasized that the JAR process is designed to ensure that every naira, program, and partner’s effort aligns with the people’s needs.

Mr. Maji Enoch outlined the Task Force’s mandate, which includes leading the coordination of the state JAR process across all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and partners. The Task Force is tasked with reviewing and validating sector data to ensure decisions are evidence-based, identifying implementation bottlenecks, and proposing practical, time-bound solutions. Additionally, it aims to foster inclusive participation to ensure that diverse voices are heard.The perspectives of Local Government Areas’ frontline workers and communities are integral to the review process. Additionally, commitments made during the Joint Annual Review (JAR) are tracked to ensure follow-up before the next cycle.

The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary emphasized that the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and evidence-based planning. He urged Task Force members to renew their dedication to collaboration, continuous learning, and delivering improved outcomes for every ward and local government area in Kogi State.

In his remarks, the Task Force Chairman and Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Mr. Johnson Aiyedogbon, reaffirmed the team’s shared commitment and determination to address identified gaps and develop a robust, high-quality JAR template for the state.

Earlier, in his overview of the JAR, the State SWAP Desk Officer, Dr. Emmanuel Bola Jonah, highlighted that the JAR forum offers a critical opportunity to conduct a thorough and honest evaluation of the planning process. It aims to address existing gaps between planning and the anticipated health outcomes for the state. He noted that JAR serves as a global model for commitment to evidence, transparency, and accountability through health sector-focused dialogue.