Infrastructure and PHC Services in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: The Case of Delta State

Nigeria is committed to primary health care as the foundation of its health care system, but the health outcome indicators are poor due to low utilization of the system. This is due to the lack of synergy between policy-makers and researchers. This book presents an approach used in a recent research on primary health care whose results facilitated the adoption of the actionable recommendations by the Delta State Government of Nigeria. The approach stands on the pillars of two strategic committees: State Steering Committee of top decision-makers and a Project Management Committee, made up of core researchers, decision-makers, practitioners, community health extension workers, primary health care users and advocacy specialists. It creates a culture of partnership, participation, communication, feedback, responsiveness, accountability, accessibility, affordability and evidence-based research. It leverages on the synergies between knowledge development and knowledge translation to inform policy. It reports aspects of infrastructure in "Strengthening the health care system in Nigeria through improved equitable access to Primary Health Care in Delta State", funded by the IDRC and WAHO.

Gideon E.D. Omuta was educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria,University of Wisconsin and the Florida State University, USA.Andrew G. Onokerhoraye was educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria andthe London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.Francis A. Onojeta was educated at the Rostov State Medical Institute, Russia.