Health workers in Maryland County have undergone an intensive training to improve delivery of community health services.
The training targeted Community Health Services Supervisors (CHSS), and Community Health Assistants (CHAs) from various districts. It is conducted under the new competency-based community health curriculum.
The County Health Team said, the training is to equip community health workers with the required knowledge, and practical skills to provide quality, affordable, and standardized health services to people at the community level.
The program focuses on prevention, health promotion, basic curative services, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and health education.
The objective is to reduce preventable illnesses, and deaths in remote and hard-to-reach communities.
The initiative is part of government’s effort to build a sustainable, integrated, and resilient community health system that can provide a standard package of essential health services to all communities.
Under the system, CHAs will serve as the frontline health providers in communities, while CHSS will provide supervision, mentorship, and technical support to ensure that services meet national standards.
The training is expected to improve early detection of diseases, timely referral of patients to health facilities, and increased awareness on hygiene, nutrition, and family health practices.
Health authorities believe that strengthening community health services will bridge the gap between health facilities, and communities, especially in areas where access to clinics, and hospitals remains a challenge.
Participants appreciated the opportunity, and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve health outcomes in their respective communities.
