Health Education Programme Planning and Evaluation in Local Government Health Departments in Kano State

Systematic planning and evaluation of health education programmes are essential for maximising the impact of public health interventions at the local government level. This study examined health education programme planning and evaluation practices in local government health departments in Kano State, North West Nigeria. A survey design was employed, targeting 160 health education officers and local government health coordinators across eight local government areas including Kano Municipal, Ungogo, and Gwale. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and review of programme documentation. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. Results showed that programme planning processes were largely informal, with fewer than 30 percent of departments conducting needs assessments prior to programme design. Monitoring and evaluation activities were inconsistent, and impact data were rarely documented or used for programme improvement. Health departments with access to trained health educators demonstrated more systematic planning practices. Funding constraints, staff shortages, and limited supervisory support were identified as major barriers. The study recommended a statewide capacity-building initiative for local government health education officers in Kano State, focusing on needs assessment, programme logic, and evaluation methodologies. Keywords: programme planning, health education evaluation, local government, Kano State, public health