Promotion of health sector reforms for health systems strengthening in Nigeria: perceptions of policy makers versus the general public on the Nigeria health systems performance.

The objectives of this cross-sectional intervention study were to improve policy makers' understanding of health sector reforms through a training workshop and to assess the perception of policy makers and the general public about health systems performance in Nigeria. Health systems performance was generally rated low by respondents (< 2.5 out of 4). Health service delivery and health workforce were the lowest rated health systems components (< 2.2 out of 4). Efforts need to be intensified to enhance competencies of policy makers to adopt an evidence-informed process in health reform programs. Inputs from the public must be given adequate consideration in addressing the challenges of health systems.