AWKA/Nigeria: The Anambra State Government has commenced the recruitment of community-based health workers as part of efforts to expand access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
The exercise, which began Tuesday in Awka, is being conducted by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Speaking to journalists, Mrs. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, said the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between rural residents and health facilities.
“This is part of government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare by recruiting and deploying qualified personnel to communities,” Uchem explained. “It will help ensure that basic services reach people at the grassroots. I urge successful applicants to carry out their duties with compassion and integrity, because any form of negligence can cost lives. Anyone caught using forged certificates during this recruitment process will face the law.”
Also addressing reporters, Dr. Obiagelu Uchebo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, said the workers would play a vital role in caring for the sick, guiding residents to health centres, and supporting expectant mothers to guarantee safe deliveries.
She noted that the recruitment drive was also designed to reduce maternal mortality, stillbirths, and other preventable deaths in rural areas.
“At least 10 community-based health workers will be assigned to each ward across the state to address the shortage of staff in primary healthcare centres,” Uchebo added.
