The Enugu State government has urged health stakeholders to translate policies, investments and strategic plans into measurable improvements in health outcomes for residents.

The Commissioner for Health, George Ugwu, made the call on Saturday in Enugu while declaring open the 2026 health sector joint annual review meeting.

Mr Ugwu said the state government remained committed to building a stronger, more responsive and resilient health system for the benefit of residents.

He called for renewed commitment, accountability and collective action among stakeholders to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.

The commissioner commended Governor Peter Mbah for sustained investments, reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services.

According to him, the review meeting offers an important platform to assess implementation of the 2026 annual operational plan and evaluate progress achieved.

“It provides an opportunity to identify gaps, bottlenecks and agree on practical actions that will accelerate health sector performance,” Mr Ugwu said.

In his remarks, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, George Nwachi, highlighted the review’s importance in promoting accountability and evidence-based decision-making.

Mr Nwachi urged stakeholders to critically examine achievements and challenges, address implementation gaps and develop realistic priorities for improved service delivery.

“The review mechanism is essential for effective implementation of health programmes and sustained improvement in healthcare outcomes,” he said.

During the technical sessions, the director of planning, research and statistics, Ann Oguejiofor, presented the 2025 joint annual review resolutions.

The presentation provided stakeholders with a basis for assessing progress made on previously agreed actions and commitments within the health sector.

The sector-wide approach desk officer, Uju Ewoh, presented updates on the maternal and neonatal mortality reduction innovation and initiative programme.

Also, the state monitoring and evaluation officer, Ikechukwu Obodo, presented the validated review template to guide performance assessment.

Mr Obodo said the template would ensure the review process remained anchored on reliable data and measurable indicators.

Participants are expected to use outcomes of the two-day meeting to shape the 2027 annual operational plan for the health sector.

The government said the plan would support its determination to deliver stronger, more efficient and people-centred healthcare services across Enugu State.

(NAN)