As part of efforts to improve grassroots healthcare, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has held interviews for the recruitment of Community-Based Health Workers.
PUNCH Online reports that Nigeria’s health sector continues to struggle with inadequate manpower, especially in primary healthcare centres, which serve as the first point of contact for most residents.
In many rural areas, a lack of qualified personnel has been linked to high maternal mortality, preventable deaths, and low health-seeking behaviour among citizens.
It was gathered that the exercise, which was held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Aroma Awka, on Tuesday, is geared towards strengthening access to affordable healthcare in rural areas.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s efforts to boost primary healthcare delivery by deploying qualified personnel to communities.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Chisom Uchem, during the recruitment exercise, emphasised that the job is community-based and carries a high level of responsibility.
Uchem said, “The exercise would help bridge the gap between residents and health facilities, ensuring that basic services reach people at the grassroots.
“We urge successful applicants to carry out their duties with compassion and integrity; negligence could cost lives. 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.
Obiageli 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 in addressing the shortage of staff in Primary Healthcare Centres”, she added.
PUNCH Online reports that by deploying at least 10 health workers per ward, the Anambra recruitment drive aims to close this gap and strengthen the link between households and health facilities. Community health workers will be tasked with guiding residents to care, supporting expectant mothers, assisting the sick, and delivering basic health services within communities.
In attendance during the exercise were the Head of the Community Health Department, ASPHCDA, Dr. Ngozi Okeke, 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, 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.
