By Nnedinma Okeke
The Community Health Institute has in Anambra State, held a one-day mandatory continuous professional development program themed: “Strengthening Nigeria Healthcare System, Role of Community Health”.
The event, which was held in the State Capital territory, Awka had in attendance Community Health Practitioners from all sectors of healthcare across the State. These includes; the Private sector, Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), General and Teaching Hospitals in the State.
In her opening remark, the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem noted that the program would aid sharpen skills, upgrade knowledge and build capacity of community health practitioners at the PHCs and other sectors of health in the State.
She admonished the practitioners not to do a disservice to themselves by sitting through the program without gaining the knowledge/learnings impacted as by virtue of trainings they could have some knowledge on everything as healthcare personnel.
“Knowledge is progressive and aside from what was taught in school, there is need for healthcare workers to be updated, with knowledge impacted on how to be able to combat the present day challenges.
“An essence of this program is to train, retrain and build capacities of community health practitioners on new ways of handling things, especially on the use of modern technology to effectively carryout service delivery in workplaces,” she explained.
She commended the organisers of the program, thanking the State Government for enabling environment for the gathering.
She, further, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the free antenatal care and delivery services enjoyed by all living in the State, refurbishment of healthcare facilities, recruitment of health workers and the opportunity to serve as ES/CEO ASPHCDA.
The Anambra State Chairperson, Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN), Mrs Chinyere Edeh, noted that the group play a vital role in promoting health, preventing disease and improving the well-being of individuals, families and communities.
“In the course of this training, we will engage in interactive discussions, presentations and hands on activities that will equip community health practitioners with skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex health challenges facing communities.
“With this training, community health practitioners will be enlightened on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in communities,” Chairperson added.
She expressed gratitude to the facilitators, organisers, and sponsors for their tireless efforts in making the training a reality, while encouraging the participants to be actively engaged, ask questions and share experiences.
The National President, ACHPN, Dr Kabir Yahaya Ahmed represented by the National Vice President, South East Zone, ACHPN, Mr Thaddeus Ugwu, noted that the training was a Nation wide activity which commenced with Anambra State in the South East Zone.
He encouraged the participants to gain from the wealth of experience from the speakers/resource persons as they impact knowledge to them.
The Registrar, Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria, Dr Bashir Idris and the Director, Community Health Institute Abuja, Dr Risikat Motunrayo Onawola both noted that the purpose of organising the program was to train community health practitioners in Anambra State.
The duo represented by the Deputy Director, Community Health Institute Abuja, Dr Yohanna Wamanyi explained that new knowledge acquired in the course of the training, would equip the practitioners make effective service delivery in health facilities and community based-structures.
“The theme of this training, shows that we play vital roles in strengthening the Nigerian Health System in achieving Universal Health Coverage.” They encouraged the participants to gather and work with knowledge obtained from the training and subsequent trainings.
Present at the event were; the Director Community Health Services, ASPHCDA- Dr Ngozi Okeke, Resource Person- Dr Duru Adonis, and Registered Community Health Practitioner and National Treasurer ACHPN- Mrs Joy Chinyere.
Also, Chairman Board of trustee Private Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, and Chairman Anambra State Private Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria- Mr Stephen E.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Community health! Our concern
Well Said 💃💯
It was indeed mind blowing.
Community Health !!! Our Concern.
PHC !! Is the key.
Appropriate Technology!! Is the answer…
I greatful about it
Community Health is our concern
Wow is indeed a success community health Practitioner in PHC are what doctors are to the hospital in Nigeria let’s do the needful by addressing the balance in the health system of Anambra state putting cadars that are not supposed to lead in the PHC will cause professional dispute among the health workers