Table 2 Context of development of the three cases under study (IMNCH, OH, and HRH)

Had high international prominence and was key in most national discourses

Regarded as a neglected area in the health sector of the country

This was a key aspect in most national and international political debates as it cuts across all aspects of health

The need to produce a comprehensive plan of action to address the high maternal and child mortality indices in the country health

This policy was thus developed based on the high oral disease burden in Nigeria

This policy was developed based on the inadequate production, mal-distribution of the available workforce, and the increasing brain drain resulting in shortage of critically needed healthcare professionals

The need for an integrated strategy to promote continuum of care for mother and child

The desire of the relevant stakeholders to standardize practice, organization and delivery of oral health services across the country

Existing strategic framework (national health sector reform plan) was used to guide policy development

No coordinated strategy framework for oral health services

Existing strategic framework (national health sector reform plan) was used to guide policy development

Failure of previous attempts to develop an oral health policy