The Partnership for Transforming Health Systems (PATHS2) programme is a six-year programme in support of the health system in Nigeria. The goal of PATHS2 is to support Nigeria in using its own resources efficiently and effectively to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set for the country. This new programme has set itself the ambitious purpose of improving the planning, financing and delivery of sustainable and replicable pro-poor services for common health problems in up to six States across the country. Initially work will start in the four States of Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, and Jigawa as well as supporting work at the Federal level.

The PATHS2 programme has established five key outputs or deliverables, each supporting a different aspect of the health sector. These outputs are all designed to leverage resources for health, improve governance, encourage participation and improve service delivery. The PATHS2 programme will support the stewardship role of government and support States in the development of effective health systems and affordable and efficient health services for all their populations. At the same time the programme will work on the demand side engaging civil society and improving the knowledge and understanding of citizens on health and health systems issues.

Engaged Civil Society
Health services are often located far from communities, especially in rural areas, and the direct and indirect costs of accessing care can often be unaffordable; sometimes pushing the poor into even deeper poverty.

When people do attend clinics the quality of care is often low. Skilled personnel can be absent, basic equipment and drug supplies missing and the general infrastructure and standards of hygiene poor. Lacking an awareness of their rights, few citizens are empowered to question the generally poor standards of health care with their service providers, local government authorities or state ministries of health.

As a result, they either "make do" with the services available or opt out of the formal health care provision completely; something which deeply affects individuals' health and the health of the nation.

Within the PATHS2 project, the Engaged Civil Society Output will seek to empower citizens and civil society to increase the accountability and responsiveness of their health service. Having knowledge about one's rights, responsibilities and entitlements to health care is a first essential stepping stone towards claiming those rights.

Through partnerships with civil society organisations, we will increase public awareness about rights, responsibilities and entitlements to health care. Yet, to deliver a more accountable and responsive health system, people must be able to act on this knowledge.
We will therefore build capacity among citizens and civil society organisations to:
•    engage effectively with government
•    participate in health sector planning
•    monitor and evaluate budget allocations to the health sector and the delivery of health services

We will also work with the health system and civil society groups to put in place sustainable mechanisms to enable citizens to claim their rights to quality care. Throughout this work particular attention will be given to enabling women, the poor and other social groups who often struggle to access basic resources such as health care, to participate and have their voices heard.

PATHS2 is supported by the Department for International Development. The PATHS2 programme is managed by Abt Associates.
 
To learn more about PATHS2, go to the website at www.paths2.org or to find out about Options' work in the PATHS2 programme, contact Claire Hughes on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Sheila Moa on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .