A delegation from TAConnect recently concluded a four-day technical assistance visit to Nasarawa State as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the state’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system. The visit, which took place from March 17–20, 2025, assessed progress, identified gaps, and provided strategic recommendations to enhance healthcare delivery across selected facilities.
The Nasarawa PHC System Strengthening Project, implemented by Sociocapital with support from TAConnect, focuses on improving operational efficiency and service quality in primary healthcare. The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for leadership and management, targeting four key areas: functional support systems, an enabling work environment, adequate managerial capacity, and appropriate competencies. Having completed initial system strengthening and capacity building phases, the TAConnect team recognized the need for onsite assessment to validate progress, identify gaps, and provide needed support to the state and partner implementing the project.
During the visit, the TAConnect team engaged extensively with state health officials and facility staff across three local government areas.
The assessment revealed several positive developments, including stronger leadership structures with more adaptive management approaches, improved stock and waste management systems, and better staff punctuality in some facilities. Community engagement through Ward Development Committees showed promising results in bridging the gap between health facilities and their catchment populations. However, challenges persist, particularly around staff absenteeism, inconsistent data use in decision-making, and limited emergency transport systems that often require out-of-pocket funding for patient referrals.
During the debrief session with state officials, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, acknowledged the progress made and committed to implementing the recommendations. Sociocapital, TAConnect’s partner in the state, pledged to refine mentorship approaches, introduce scalable e-learning modules for staff training, and finalize comprehensive transition strategies prior to the project close-out. The visit concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to continue working together to strengthen Nasarawa state’s primary healthcare system.
This effort marks another step forward in TAConnect’s mission to support health system strengthening across Nigeria. The lessons learned and best practices identified during this visit will contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance primary healthcare delivery not just in Nasarawa, but potentially in other states facing similar challenges.
