Healthcare institutions across the globe are shifting towards data-driven decision-making processes, acknowledging the immense value of operational data in creating efficient health policies. When it comes to utilizing data to improve healthcare services, Kaduna State is Nigeria’s frontrunner. This forward-thinking attitude was on full display at the Ibom Icon Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, which played home to the 2024 Kaduna State Health Sector Retreat from June 6th to the 10th. Themed “Strengthening the Use and Uptake of Operational Data for Policy Perspectives,” the retreat convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, senior managers from MDAs of the State Ministry of Health, and development partners, to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities in fortifying Kaduna’s healthcare system through robust data utilization.
The retreat brought together an impressive array of participants from various institutions: the Planning & Budget Commission (PBC), Ministry of Health (SMOH), Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB), Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADSHMA), Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA), Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH), and the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS). In addition, representatives from the Gates Foundation, Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI), Lafiya (UK Support for Health in Nigeria), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Solina Group, and Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) were actively involved.
Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, Commissioner of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, and Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, Commissioner of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, were among the high-ranking officials in attendance, highlighting the state’s resolve to reform its healthcare system using data-driven policies.
Following intensive discussions and deliberations, the retreat yielded several important insights and resolutions targeted at enhancing Kaduna’s healthcare system. These insights might be classed as strategic, operational, or policy-oriented resolutions.
Pending the official release of the retreat communiqué, this article highlights some key insights and progress discussed during the retreat. A significant highlight was the recognition of the strides made by the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB) in implementing a digitized Human Resources for Health Management Information System (HRHMIS) and completing the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital (BDTH). The plan to extend EMR implementation to all secondary facilities is set to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Kaduna State, as connecting all datasets to the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) for comprehensive analysis will help the state maintain a uniform health workforce registry, providing a clear and accurate overview of healthcare personnel across the state. This initiative is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and overall health system performance.
In a bid to ensure financial protection for the most vulnerable, the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA) will collaborate with the Planning and Budget Commission in a strategic effort to enhance healthcare financing in the state.
A consensus was reached on the importance of leveraging Technical Working Groups (TWGs) in the Kaduna State Ministry of Health for data sharing using a common platform. This approach emphasizes the need for a shared data source and structure to facilitate better planning and coordination among stakeholders. The KDBS and NFTI were encouraged to socialize current data platforms and ensure that the Health Facility Analytics platform (HEFA) remains the single dashboard for use across the health sector. This unified approach to data management will eliminate redundancies, improve data accuracy, and enhance the overall efficiency of health services.
The Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) is committed to strengthening data systems for quality and use. This will involve pipelining operational, population-based, and national datasets through the Health Facility Analytics platform (HEFA). Additionally, NFTI pledged support for KDBS in expanding the data platform through telepolling, independent assessments, and client satisfaction surveys. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that the data collected is not only comprehensive but also actionable, driving evidence-based decision-making across the health sector.
Every resident of Kaduna State should expect to feel the effects of the retreat’s decisions and goals in the near future. Digitized health records and a unified health workforce registry will enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, ensuring that patients receive consistent and high-quality care across different facilities. Partnerships and initiatives that will reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure that more people have access to essential health services are in the works, thanks to the collaborative platform provided by the retreat. The dream, of course, is a Kaduna state with improved health equity.
The emphasis on using data for planning and policy-making will lead to more informed and effective health interventions. The commitment to data systems enhancement and the use of a common data platform will streamline decision-making processes and ensure that policies are based on solid evidence.
The principles and practices demonstrated in Kaduna State offer a scalable model for other states in Nigeria and across Africa. Showcasing successful strategies and innovative approaches, the retreat serves as a blueprint for how regions can come together to solve complex health problems. It offers a model that other African states can follow to enhance their healthcare systems and contribute to a more unified and effective approach to health policy across the continent.
As we progress, it is crucial to maintain the momentum generated by the retreat and ensure that the resolutions are implemented effectively. Continued collaboration, commitment, and innovation will be key to realizing the vision of a robust, data-driven healthcare system that leaves no one behind.
The journey towards a healthier Kaduna State is well underway, and with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the future looks promising. Harnessing the power of data and working together will create a healthcare system that not only meets the needs of today but is resilient and responsive to the challenges of tomorrow.
