The Kogi State Ministry of Health has hosted the 2025 2nd Quarterly Performance Dialogue, aimed at reviewing key health indicators at the state level and exploring ways to maximize data for informed decision-making.
The event, held on Monday in Lokoja, was organised by Kogi State Ministry of Health with support from MSI Nigerian Reproductive Choices.
It brought together health officers from state and local government, primary, secondary and tertiary health institutions, donour partners, NGOs, and stakeholders in the healthcare sector.
In his welcome address, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, emphasised the critical role that data-driven decision-making plays in improving healthcare outcomes in the state.
Abdulazeez, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Steven Momoh, noted that accurate and reliable data is the backbone of effective healthcare planning, implementation, and evaluation.
He highlighted and praised the state’s progress in strengthening health systems, improving service delivery, and enhancing the overall well-being of citizens.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the dialogue would lead to rich and insightful discussions, resulting in actionable recommendations that will propel the state forward.
He expressed gratitude to the partners, stakeholders, and team members who have worked tirelessly to support healthcare initiatives in the state.
Dr Abdulazeez emphasised the importance of collaboration in harnessing the power of data to drive meaningful change in healthcare systems.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to using data to inform decision-making and drive healthcare transformation in the state.
“The ministry looks forward to implementing the recommendations and strategies that will be discussed during the event.
“Let us work together to harness the power of data and drive meaningful change in our healthcare systems”, he said.
Dr. Emmanuel Bola Jonah, Desk officer, Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Kogi State, said the dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to work together towards improving healthcare outcomes in the state.
He noted that the state government had in July, trained health managers and planning officers on developing operational plans, with a focus on people-centered planning and effective implementation of SWAp initiative.
According to Jonah, the dialogue aims to assess the state’s performance in key health indicators at both state and local government levels.
He emphasised that the review would highlight areas of strength and weakness, identifying what has been done well and what needs improvement to meet the state’s targets.
“The key health indicators being tracked include immunization coverage, delivery rates, nutrition, family planning uptake, maternal and child mortality rates, and the management of hypertension and diabetes, among others.
“Participants will also discuss and explore innovative ways to leverage data and technology to inform decision-making and drive healthcare transformation.
“With this initiative, the state is poised to make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing the well-being of its citizens,” Jonah said.
In their separate remarks, the donor partners and other stakeholders, commended Kogi State Government for its efforts and commitments towards improving the health indices of the people of the state.
They partners assured the state government of their commitment to supporting health initiatives in the state towards improving the overall well-being of its citizens.
The partners include: World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHS-RII), MSI Nigeria, ARF, CHIGERI, SIGHTSERVERS and Rep of CSOs, among others.
Other stakeholders are: Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agemcy (KSPHCDA), State Health Insurance Agency (KGSHIA), State Drugs and Medical Supplies Management Agency (KSDMSMA), Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH), among others.