By Chris Chikelue
THE Anambra State Ministry of Health has conducted a one-day step-down training on the implementation of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for Programme Officers as part of efforts to strengthen strategic health planning and improve programme implementation across the state.
The training, held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Awka, was organized by the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) to equip Programme Officers with the knowledge and skills required for effective implementation of the Annual Operational Plan in line with national health sector priorities.
During the opening session, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), John Paul Onyekineso, charged participants to actively engage in the training and contribute their best efforts toward producing a high-quality Annual Operational Plan that will position Anambra State among the leading performers in the country.
Onyekineso explained that the training was designed to build the capacity of Programme Officers on the development and implementation of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB), a key framework of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for health sector planning and coordination.
According to him, the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint serves as the foundation for aligning state health priorities, partner interventions, and budgetary allocations with national health objectives under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that every state is required to develop and implement an evidence-based Annual Operational Plan that aligns with the HSSB before the preparation of state and federal budgets.
“The Annual Operational Plan is a critical planning instrument that guides health sector interventions, resource allocation, and partner coordination. It ensures that state priorities are aligned with national health goals and serves as one of the key requirements for accessing federal and development partner support,” he stated.
Onyekineso further explained that the current exercise focuses on the preparation and implementation of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan, emphasizing that all proposed programmes and activities must be aligned with the state’s budget framework to enhance implementation efficiency and maximize opportunities for funding and technical support.
Participants described the training as timely and impactful, noting that it provided greater clarity on strategic planning processes, programme prioritization, partner coordination, and effective implementation of the Annual Operational Plan. They expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would strengthen health programme delivery and contribute to improved health outcomes across Anambra State.
A.I
Aug. 5, 2026
Tags: Chris Chikelue John Paul Onyekineso
Comments
Start the conversation about this story.