Kwara targets better healthcare in 2026 with new strategic plan and UNFPA support
The Kwara State Government has set its sights on delivering more accessible, effective and people-centred healthcare services in 2026 as it begins work on a new strategic plan to strengthen the state’s health system.
According to a statement obtained by The Informant247, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has commenced the development of its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) — a blueprint designed to align with the Federal Government’s Hope Health Agenda while responding directly to the real needs of Kwarans.
The three-day planning workshop, held from 23 to 25 September 2025 at GPinnacle Suites in Ilorin, brought together representatives from departments, agencies and programmes within the ministry, alongside development partners such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The aim, officials said, is to create a practical, evidence-based plan that will guide healthcare delivery across the state next year.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, emphasised that the exercise was about more than just planning — it was about shaping the future of healthcare in the state.
“All hands must be on deck to produce an operational plan that not only meets our priorities but also translates into tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” she said.
Dr El-Imam highlighted the importance of collaboration between departments and agencies to avoid duplication and make the best use of available resources. According to her, synergy across health programmes will ultimately deliver stronger outcomes and better services for residents.
The AOP Focal Person, Dr Kudirat Lambe, described the plan as the “mirror” of the state’s health budget, noting that it serves as a roadmap for transforming policies into real-world action. “This year, we are adopting a sector-wide approach that unifies planning and reporting,” she explained. “Stronger collaboration will reduce fragmentation and ensure more efficient use of resources.”
UNFPA representative, Dr Esther Shomefun, praised the state government for its proactive approach and assured that the collaborative planning effort would directly contribute to improved health outcomes across Kwara. She also urged stakeholders to maintain the momentum beyond the workshop, stressing that “consistent and coordinated planning is key to sustainable progress.”
