Taraba Targets Improved Service Delivery

The Taraba State Ministry of Health has commenced the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR), bringing together development partners, stakeholders and implementing agencies to assess the performance of the state’s health sector and chart a path for improved healthcare delivery.

The review, held under the theme “Planning Better for a Healthy Taraba,” is aimed at evaluating progress made within the sector, identifying gaps and strengthening strategies to enhance service delivery across the state.

Declaring the session open on behalf of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Gbansheya Buma, underscored the importance of periodic assessments in driving sustainable health outcomes. He noted that the forum provides a critical opportunity to review achievements, confront existing challenges and develop practical, data-driven solutions.

Dr. Buma urged participants to engage in sincere and constructive deliberations, stressing that the collective goal remains the improvement of healthcare services for all residents. “A healthy nation is a prosperous nation,” he stated.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Harmony K. Chufor, commended the commitment of agencies, boards and development partners, describing them as indispensable collaborators in advancing the state’s health sector.

Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, development partners, the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (TPHCDA), the Taraba State Health Services Management Board (TRS-HSMB) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH) expressed optimism about the state’s capacity to effectively implement its Annual Health Strategic Plan.

They cited recent strides, including the recruitment of health workers, improved availability of essential health commodities and sustained support from development partners, as key indicators of progress in strengthening healthcare delivery in Taraba.

Also speaking, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), Pharm. Solomon Angyu, disclosed that a communiqué would be issued at the end of the review, outlining strategic directions for the operation of the health sector across the state.

The Joint Annual Review is expected to provide a comprehensive framework to guide policy decisions and accelerate progress towards a more responsive and efficient healthcare system in Taraba State.