UNICEF Initiative to Enhance Nigeria's Healthcare Leadership

The UNICEF-led initiative, titled Enhancing Leadership and Governance Management Capacity (ELGMC), aims to address leadership gaps in Nigeria's healthcare system. This initiative was discussed during a series of workshops held in Yola, Sokoto, and Ilorin.

The project targets primary healthcare development agencies in Adamawa, Kwara, and Sokoto states, focusing on enhancing evidence-based policy-making, planning, financing, and monitoring of primary healthcare services. Dr. Emmanuel Emedu, a UNICEF health specialist, emphasized the importance of effective leadership and governance in managing health systems.

Prof. Kaletapwa Georg Farauta, the Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, highlighted the need for improved planning and monitoring in the health sector. Dr. Amina Ahm El Imam from Kwara State noted the lack of technical and soft skills necessary for translating programs into policies that benefit the populace.

The project will include focus group discussions and data analysis to develop a capacity assessment report, with the goal of establishing effective leadership and governance management systems to transform health outcomes in Nigeria.