Dr. William Sambisa, Ph.D, Senior Measurement and Evaluation Officer of the Africa Strategy Team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) in Seattle, USA, recently concluded a pivotal five-day working visit to Kaduna State. His visit was focused on evaluating the Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation’s (NFTI) ongoing six-month longitudinal study aimed at assessing the operational readiness and data systems of public health facilities across three local government areas (LGAs) in Kaduna State.
The NFTI-led longitudinal study aims to find out how ready non-clinical primary healthcare is, with a focus on Human Resources for Health (HRH), Supply Chain Management (SCM), and the data systems that connect them. The study, which targets 83 health facilities in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Chikun LGAs, aims to provide a detailed analysis of how data systems function within these facilities and their impact on healthcare delivery.
During his visit, Dr. William had several meetings with key stakeholders, NFTI data analysts, and government officials to better understand the scope and objectives of the study. His interactions with NFTI’s data analysts in the situation room were insightful, as he provided valuable feedback on the design of the questionnaire, the structure of the data collection roster, and strategies to improve the overall study process. His input is expected to greatly enhance the effectiveness of the study in capturing the critical data needed to inform decision-making and interventions.
In addition to the ongoing longitudinal study, Dr. William evaluated past initiatives like the Health Facility Analytics (HEFA) and Integrated Support Supervision (ISS) and provided actionable suggestions to further optimize the longitudinal study. His extensive knowledge of health data systems and evaluation is assiting NFTI in ensuring that the study not only meets its objectives, but also sets a precedent for data-driven healthcare innovations in the country.
During the visit, Dr. William, along with NFTI’s Executive Director Nuradeen Maidoki, paid a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Ministry of Health. They were received by Hajia Kaltume Ahmed, the Honorable Commissioner of Health, and Dr. Aisha Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary on Health. In their discussions, Dr. Abubakar expressed her gratitude for the efforts made by BMGF and NFTI in enhancing the state’s healthcare system through data-driven solutions. She emphasized the importance of robust data management systems and highlighted how the Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP), managed by NFTI, has been instrumental in providing young professionals with real-world work experiences and the state with talent pipelines, which is critical for the future of healthcare management.
The visit to the Ministry of Health also underscored the ongoing collaboration between Kaduna State and global partners like the Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation. These partnerships have played a significant role in supporting the state’s routine immunization programs and the revitalization of its primary healthcare (PHC) systems. Dr. William noted that “Kaduna is one of our key interests for health innovation. It serves as a model for how data can strengthen healthcare systems and delivery.” He reiterated the Gates Foundation’s commitment to supporting PHC service delivery through data-driven initiatives, especially in underserved and remote areas.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abubakar, also applauded NFTI for its consistency and dedication to advancing the state’s health systems through innovative data solutions. “Data has always been a challenge in Kaduna and Nigeria at large. We need more support in our data management systems, and the DSFP has become one of the best platforms to study data systems. This study will help us identify the gaps, and we hope to receive actionable recommendations based on actual needs,” she said.
The NFTI Executive Director, Nuradeen Maidoki, also appreciated the continued mentorship and support provided by BMGF. He further thanked the Ministry of Health for always keeping their doors open to collaborate and work together toward a better healthcare system in Kaduna.
As part of the visit, Dr. William and the NFTI team also visited the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS), where they met with the Statistician-General and the DSFP 4.0 Fellows. The SG expressed his appreciation to the Gates Foundation for their unwavering commitment to ensuring data excellence in Kaduna State. He highlighted how the investment by BMGF has significantly improved the operational efficiency of the Bureau, making it one of the most productive in the country.
Dr. William was impressed by the Bureau’s progress and the dedication of the team. “It’s been important working with the SG and the Bureau on the journey of supporting Kaduna State’s development agenda. The productivity here shows real growth, and I’m delighted to see the Bureau providing Kaduna with the best data for decision-making,” he remarked. One of the key takeaways from the visit was the importance of accurate and actionable data in driving improvements in healthcare delivery. He lauded the NFTI team for their tireless efforts in collecting, analyzing, and utilizing health data to strengthen the state’s health systems.
The six-month longitudinal study, which Dr. William described as a “pioneering initiative,” will not only assess the current readiness of healthcare facilities but also provide key recommendations on how to improve HRH and SCM systems. As the study progresses, NFTI will continue to provide regular updates to the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. The Ministry will be involved in every step of the decision-making process, ensuring that the findings of the study lead to practical and sustainable solutions. NFTI will hold monthly and quarterly reviews, allowing for peer evaluations and iterative improvements throughout the study’s duration.
Contributor: Simnom Emmanuel
