Imo Launches Village Health Workers Scheme...!

The Imo Government on Thursday launched a village health workers scheme to fast track health care delivery at the grassroots.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Eze Madumere, launched the scheme in Owerri with a charge to the workers to be diligent in their duties as grassroots health care providers.

Represented by Dr Edward Ihejirika, the Commissioner for Health, Madumere handed over the health kits to 40 village health workers.

Madumere said that the scheme was initiated to complement the "health at your doorstep" programme of the state government.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Millennium Development Goals, Mrs Mma Nzeribe, said the scheme would enhance access to health care services.

Nzeribe said the scheme would make the required impact in improving community health outcomes by increasing the utilisation of health care facilities provided by the state government.

She enjoined the health workers to disseminate information about the health services available at the established primary health centres in their communities.

The governor's aide also charged them to educate the people in local communities on the benefits of improving basic household practices, such as hygiene and promotion of healthy lifestyles for the whole family.

"Your effectiveness in carrying out your duty will fast track the reduction in child mortality and improve maternal health, especially in our rural communities where the overall health care delivery system is weak and under utilised,'' she said.

Nzeribe, who handed over the kits to health workers from Isu, Ikeduru, Obowo and Njaba Local Government Areas, she advised them to make use of the kits and logbooks for the day to day activities.

She noted that the records would help in the assessment of the progress recorded in the health- related goals of the MDG's.

"Today we commission you with your kits to be the strong link between the primary health centres and your community.

"I want to encourage you to be dedicated to service and diligently carry out your duties,'' she said. (NAN)

 keep staying Healthy, Informed and Entertained...!!!
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