Edo unveils plan to improve healthcare delivery

BENIN CIY – The Edo Government says its 2026 Annual Operational Plan (AOP) will strengthen health programme implementation, improve coordination and promote effective resource utilisation to enhance healthcare delivery.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, said this on Tuesday in Benin during the 2026 AOP Dissemination Meeting organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).

Oshiomhole described the AOP as a strategic framework for coordinating health programmes and interventions, guiding planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities within the health sector.

He explained that although the plan was already midway through its implementation year, soft copies had earlier been made available to relevant stakeholders for review.

The commissioner said the meeting was organised to formally present the validated document, clarify stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, and renew commitment towards effective implementation.

He commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his vision and commitment to improving healthcare services, while appreciating development partners, including IHVN, World Health Organization (WHO), USAID, ICI and GHSG-PSM.

Oshiomhole also acknowledged the contributions of programme officers and heads of departments in the health sector towards the preparation of the operational plan.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Andrew Iyamu, described the AOP as more than a document, saying it reflected government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services.

Iyamu commended the commissioner and technical team for developing the plan, assuring stakeholders of continued government support towards its successful implementation across the state.

The ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Loretta Iruobe, said the engagement was aimed at ensuring stakeholders understood the objectives of the 2026 AOP.

Iruobe said the meeting would also help stakeholders understand their responsibilities in achieving the plan’s targets through effective coordination and collaboration.

She emphasised the importance of data-driven planning, partnerships and continuous monitoring in strengthening healthcare delivery and achieving health sector goals.

Other stakeholders emphasised the need for sustained partnership, accountability and commitment among all actors involved in improving access to quality healthcare services.

The highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of the 2026 Edo Health Sector Annual Operational Plan, which will guide programme implementation and track progress.