Promotion of health sector reforms for health systems strengthening in Nigeria: perceptions of policy makers versus the general public on the Nigeria health systems performance
Uneke, C.Jesse.; Ezeoha, A.E.; Ndukwe, C.D.; Oyibo, P.G.; Onwe, F.
Social Work in Public Health 28(6): 541-553
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1937-1918 PMID: 23944164 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2011.592085Document Number: 577204
The objectives of this cross-sectional intervention study were to improve policy makers' understanding of health sector reforms through a training workshop and to assess the perception of policy makers and the general public about health systems performance in Nigeria. Health systems performance was generally rated low by respondents (< 2.5 out of 4). Health service delivery and health workforce were the lowest rated health systems components (< 2.2 out of 4). Efforts need to be intensified to enhance competencies of policy makers to adopt an evidence-informed process in health reform programs. Inputs from the public must be given adequate consideration in addressing the challenges of health systems.