The application of digital information systems in the management of human resources for health (HRH) can help ensure that the right number of qualified and skilled health workers are available and distributed equitably for quality health service provision at all levels of health care. This is because HRH information systems can be used as a tool to manage health worker recruitment, deployment, professional development, as well as to inform data use for public policy formulation. 

On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health and Human Services Secretariat (HHSS) launched its health workforce registry with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria Health Workforce Management (HWM) Activity. The HWM Activity provided technical support to the FCT HHSS to conduct various activities culminating in the establishment of a functional HWR including HRH data collection, standardizing, validation, and upload unto the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Health Worker Registry.

“We welcome this repository which will help in assessing our manpower at the facilities as well as the quality of care.” 

Dr. Abubakar Tafida, Hon. Sec. FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat

The establishment of a functional health worker registry for the FCT is a key component of the HWM Activity’s mandate to strengthen HRH information systems to support its focus states to establish the availability of a cost-effective, well-trained, and motivated health workforce. In the FCT, the newly launched health worker registry will improve availability of HRH data for decision making and overall HRH management and ensure equitable distribution of the health work force, particularly at the primary health care facilities accessed by most Nigerians.