UNICEF supports Kogi State in developing an Annual Operating Plan for Healthcare

NIGERIA — The government of Kogi State in Nigeria has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to facilitate a review of the state Ministry of Health’s 2023 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) to formulate the 2024 Annual Operating Plan.

An Annual Operational Plan (AOP) is a comprehensive document that delineates the Ministry’s objectives, strategies, and activities for a specific fiscal year.

The objective of this review is to realign the state’s healthcare system to yield positive outcomes and transform adverse performance indicators.

This significant announcement came to light during a two-day workshop dedicated to assessing the 2023 Annual Operating Plan and formulating the 2024 Annual Operating Plan.

The workshop’s primary aim, as articulated by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Usman Zakari, is to scrutinize the 2023 Annual Operational Plan and initiate the development of the 2024 Annual Operational Plan, building upon Kogi State Strategic Health Construction II.

He underlined that without these preparations in place, it is possible to attain goals inadvertently or fall short without realizing them.

Dr. Zakari also pointed out that having a well-defined plan facilitates making purposeful and deliberate efforts toward accomplishing goals and ensures a strategic approach to all elements within the plan.

With the new plan in effect, the state is determined to leave no child behind, while UNICEF is committed to ensuring that every newborn has the opportunity to survive and thrive, fulfilling their divine potential.

While the primary goal of an AOP is to translate the ministry’s strategic plan’s high-level objectives and strategies into tangible actions and specific activities for the upcoming year, it also plays a pivotal role in guiding decision-making, resource allocation, and performance assessment.

This is achieved by translating the ministry’s strategic vision into actionable activities for the specific year, ensuring a steadfast focus on strategic objectives.

Furthermore, this initiative will foster an enabling environment for the state to engage in close communication and collaboration with major ministry departments and agencies (MDAs) and Donor Agencies, ensuring the successful delivery of healthcare services in the state.

Kogi State aspires to enhance and attain universal healthcare for all through its collaboration with UNICEF.

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