Ekiti State faced significant challenges in delivering routine immunization (RI) and primary healthcare (PHC) services, largely due to gaps in leadership and management capacity among healthcare workers. Many senior and mid-level managers lacked the necessary skills in project management, leadership, and health system governance, limiting their ability to coordinate, supervise, and make informed decisions. This deficiency negatively impacted service delivery and overall health outcomes. To address these capacity gaps, the Strengthening Routine Immunization and PHC Services (STRIPE) project, funded by the United States Center for Disease Control (US-CDC) and implemented in partnership with the Ekiti State Ministry of Health (EkMoH) and the Ekiti State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EkSPHCDA), was launched between April 2023 and February 2024.
Capacity Building:
Sydani implemented a comprehensive capacity-building program aimed at strengthening the leadership and management capabilities of key healthcare managers in Ekiti State. Training was provided to 40 senior health managers, focusing on leadership development, stakeholder management, and team coordination. Additionally, 35 mid-level managers were trained in critical areas such as project management and Annual Operational Plan (AOP) development. These sessions were designed to equip healthcare managers with the skills and tools needed to oversee the effective delivery of immunization services and PHC programs.
Capacity-building workshops included hands-on exercises, scenario-based learning, and role-playing to ensure practical application of the knowledge gained. Participants were also provided with mentorship support to help them navigate real-world challenges in their roles, enabling them to implement best practices in health system governance, resource management, and decision-making processes.
Result:
The capacity-building efforts under the STRIPE project significantly improved the management and operational effectiveness of PHC services in Ekiti State. Senior and mid-level healthcare managers reported increased confidence in their leadership and management abilities, which translated into more effective supervision and coordination of health services across the state.
The training programs also led to improved execution of immunization and PHC-related tasks, such as planning, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to better service delivery and increased vaccination coverage. This enhanced capacity is expected to have long-term benefits, as managers are now better equipped to lead teams, manage resources, and drive health outcomes in their respective regions, ensuring sustained improvements in immunization and PHC service delivery in Ekiti State.
Demand Generation:
To tackle the demand generation challenges, Sydani implemented a series of targeted interventions designed to increase community awareness and improve health-seeking behavior. These efforts included the development and airing of radio and TV shows to educate the public on the importance of routine immunization and dispel common myths about vaccinations and other health services. The media campaign was complemented by grassroots-level outreach, where local health workers and community leaders were engaged to further reinforce key messages, using culturally relevant communication channels.
In addition to direct communication efforts, Sydani organized community dialogues and health awareness campaigns to engage families and dispel fears about the safety of vaccines and healthcare services. This multipronged approach helped foster trust between health workers and the community, thus encouraging more residents to seek PHC services.
Result:
The demand generation activities under the STRIPE project yielded significant results. There was a marked increase in community engagement with health facilities, leading to a 46.92% increase in COVID-19 vaccinations, with 320,748 doses administered—exceeding the project’s initial target. Additionally, 69,044 children were reached through routine immunization efforts, surpassing the target by 19.32%. This increase in vaccination rates also contributed to Ekiti State moving from 13th to 11th place on the National COVID-19 Dashboard.
Furthermore, the STRIPE project enhanced awareness about PHC services, leading to increased healthcare facility visits and improved health outcomes. These efforts addressed deep-seated misconceptions about health services and built stronger ties between the community and local health facilities, thereby fostering a more supportive environment for sustained healthcare service uptake.
Strategy Design & Implementation:
Sydani played a central role in developing strategies to address the core challenges in Ekiti’s healthcare system. A critical component of this strategy was the development of a dashboard to monitor and visualize RI indicator performance across the state. The dashboard allowed health managers and policymakers to gain real-time insights into immunization coverage, service delivery gaps, and areas needing urgent intervention. By providing a clear, visual representation of key performance indicators, the dashboard enhanced data-driven decision-making, enabling faster, more informed responses to emerging healthcare needs.
Sydani also supported the development and costing of Ekiti State’s three-year health strategic plan for 2024-2026. This plan served as a roadmap for sustainable improvements in both RI and PHC services, outlining specific goals, strategies, and budgetary requirements.
The plan’s development ensured that Ekiti had a clear, actionable framework for achieving long-term health outcomes, with well-defined milestones and resource allocations.
We facilitated the inauguration and support of a health partners coordination forum. This forum brought together key stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and partners, to ensure better coordination and collaboration across health interventions in the state. Through regular meetings and joint planning sessions, the forum enhanced communication and alignment, ensuring that efforts across different organizations were harmonized toward common healthcare objectives.
Result:
The strategic design implemented through the STRIPE project significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of Ekiti State’s healthcare system. The RI performance dashboard empowered health managers with real-time data, leading to timely and evidence-based decisions. The state’s three-year strategic plan provided a clear path for future healthcare improvements, with defined priorities and funding strategies. Moreover, the health partners coordination forum fostered stronger partnerships and collaboration, ensuring more unified and coordinated healthcare efforts across Ekiti State. These strategic interventions laid the foundation for sustained improvements in both routine immunization and primary healthcare services.