Using evidence and incremental changes to influence policy choices on human resources for health

The scarcity and unequal allocation of human resources for service delivery are major constraints in expanding coverage of maternal and child health care in Nigeria. Although Human Resources for Health (HRH) policies exist, their implementation lacked a system focused approach and were not based on sound, reliable, and relevant HRH data. This led to inequitable distribution of human resource for health in Nigeria

The Partnership for Transforming Health Systems supported three northern Nigerian states to develop HRH policies and strategic plans to guide interventions, investments and decisions. The programme also introduced an HRH Information System (HRHIS) which helped the states to use evidence to improve planning and management of human resources.

Based on evidence from the HRHIS, the three State Ministries of Health secured approval and recruited 3,168 health workers, increasing the availability of qualified health workers in public health centres. This contributed to an increase in service uptake, with an average of 24% and 25% increase in antenatal care and deliveries respectively. The immediate gains in service provision and evidence generated from the HRIS inspired further action of state governments to set up three additional pre-service institutions and boost availability of qualified health workers across the states.

Targeted health system reforms utilizing evidence and best practices influences health outcomes and enhances potentials for further policy decisions.