Table 1 Differences between a policy and action plan

A statement and a guiding principle for achieving a stated goal; it is more of a theory

A strategy and a guiding principle for achieving a stated goal in a practical way

Policies are too ambitious and sometimes utopian

Realistic with the existing circumstances

Rigid with little room for review and update

Flexible; it accommodates monitoring, evaluation and review

It is usually a product of bureaucratic and political decision-making

IA product of research and practice

Optimistic in the achievement of desired objective without much consideration to factors that obstruct policy outcome

Consideration to problems and circumstances in achievement of objectives

That the parameters and conditions at the time of policy making remain static up to the time of implementation

Provision for evaluation and updates