By Nnedinma Okeke and Stanley Nwako
Inorder to aid improve grassroots healthcare, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in partnership with State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has held interview for the recruitment of Community-Based Health Workers (CBHWs).
The exercise held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Aroma Awka, is geared towards strengthening access to affordable healthcare in rural areas.
The initiative forms part of Government efforts to boost primary healthcare delivery by deploying qualified personnel to communities. It would help bridge the gap between residents and health facilities, ensuring that basic services reach people at the grassroots.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, during the recruitment interview, emphasized that the job is community-based and carries a high level of responsibility.
She urged successful applicants to carry out their duties with compassion and integrity, warning that negligence could cost lives. She also cautioned that anyone caught using forged certificates during the recruitment process would face the law.
Also, speaking during the exercise, the Permanent Secretary, SMOH, Dr. Uchebo Obiageli, noted that the workers would assist in caring for the sick, guiding residents to health centres, and supporting expectant mothers to ensure safe deliveries.
She explained that the programme is designed to reduce maternal mortality, stillbirths, and other preventable deaths.
“At least 10 health workers are expected to be assigned to each ward across the state to aid address the shortage of staff in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs),” she added.
In attendance during the exercise includes; Dr. Ngozi Okeke, Head of the Community Health Department, ASPHCDA, Mrs. Cecilia Peter-Okoye, Head of Administration ASPHCDA, Mrs. Amaka Maduka, Head of Accounts ASPHCDA, and Mr. Casmir Mabia, Head of Planning, Research and Statistics Department, ASPHCDA.
Also, Mrs. Chinyere Edeh, Chairperson of the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN), Anambra State chapter. Directors of Primary Health Care for Idemili North and Oyi LGAs, Mrs. Chinwe Okeke and Mrs. Ebele Ezelote, as well as representatives from the Community Health Practitioners Council, among many others.
