As part of preparations for the implementation of Longitudinal Study 2.0, Natview Foundation for Technology convened a stakeholder engagement meeting with relevant State and Zonal actors to build on lessons from Longitudinal Study 1.0 and ensure alignment ahead of rollout.
The engagement brought together representatives of the State Primary Health Care team and the State Ministry of Health. Key officials present included Dr. Sunday Joseph, Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Health, alongside the State Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics. The meeting served as a platform to re-introduce Longitudinal Study 2.0, reinforce shared understanding, and strengthen collaboration following the completion of Longitudinal Study 1.0 implemented by Natview Foundation for Technology.
The session commenced with opening formalities, welcome remarks, and participant introductions, after which the objectives and expected outcomes of the engagement were outlined. Discussions emphasized the importance of effective supervision and high-quality longitudinal data for strengthening health system performance, improving accountability, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Participants were provided with background on the need for a structured Supervisory Plan, drawing on lessons learned from Longitudinal Study 1.0 and earlier monitoring approaches. Emphasis was placed on strengthening coordination, improving feedback loops, and ensuring data quality and accountability across State, Zonal, LGA, and facility levels.
A detailed presentation on Longitudinal Study 2.0 followed, covering the study’s objectives, structure, scope, and key improvements from previous phases. The presentation outlined study indicators, timelines, and the implementation approach, while highlighting the linkages between the Supervisory Plan and longitudinal data generation. Expectations from State and Zonal teams during implementation were clearly communicated, with the integration of supervision and longitudinal data generation noted as a core strength of the approach.
The Supervisory Plan framework was also presented, highlighting its objectives and scope, supervisory structures across State, Zonal, LGA, and facility levels, and the frequency and modalities of supervision, including bi-weekly and monthly activities. Reporting mechanisms and the use of supervision findings for decision-making were discussed, with participants underscoring the importance of alignment with existing mandates and clear communication channels.
An interactive discussion session allowed participants to ask questions, seek clarifications, and provide feedback. Key areas of discussion included coordination between State, Zonal, and LGA teams, data flow and reporting timelines, feedback mechanisms, and practical implementation challenges and mitigation strategies. The discussions were constructive and reflected strong stakeholder interest and ownership.
The engagement marked a critical step in Natview Foundation for Technology’s transition from Longitudinal Study 1.0 to Longitudinal Study 2.0, ensuring that State and Zonal actors are fully aligned, understand their roles, and are actively involved in shaping implementation prior to rollout.
