Anambra Moves to Recruit More Community-Based Health Workers for Improved Healthcare Delivery

The Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has conducted interviews for the recruitment of Community-Based Health Workers (CBHWs).

The recruitment exercise, held at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex in Aroma, Awka, is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen access to affordable healthcare in rural areas.

It is specifically designed to enhance grassroots healthcare delivery across the state.

This initiative is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to improve primary healthcare services by deploying qualified personnel to underserved communities.

It aims to bridge the gap between residents and health facilities, ensuring that essential health services are accessible at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the interview exercise, the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, stated that the role of Community-Based Health Workers is both community-oriented and highly demanding.

She urged successful candidates to perform their duties with compassion and integrity, noting that negligence could have life-threatening consequences.

She further warned that any applicant found to have submitted forged certificates would face legal action.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo Obiageli, highlighted the expected responsibilities of the health workers.

These include caring for the sick, guiding residents to health centres, and supporting expectant mothers to ensure safe deliveries.

She explained that the programme is aimed at reducing maternal mortality, stillbirths, and other preventable deaths.

“At least 10 health workers are expected to be assigned to each ward across the state to help address the shortage of staff in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs),” she added.

The exercise was attended by several key stakeholders, including Dr. Ngozi Okeke, Head of the Community Health Department at ASPHCDA; Mrs. Cecilia Peter-Okoye, Head of Administration, ASPHCDA; Mrs. Amaka Maduka, Head of Accounts, ASPHCDA; and Mr. Casmir Mabia, Head of the Planning, Research and Statistics Department, ASPHCDA.

Also present were Mrs. Chinyere Edeh, Chairperson of the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN), Anambra State Chapter; Mrs. Chinwe Okeke and Mrs. Ebele Ezelote, Directors of Primary Health Care for Idemili North and Oyi LGAs, respectively; as well as representatives from the Community Health Practitioners Council, among others.