As part of the efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, the Kogi State Government has commenced a training program for frontline healthcare workers, aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge to boost primary healthcare services in the State.
The trainin
g, a joint effort by the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the State Ministry of Health, focused on the key areas such as maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and health promotion.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji. Usman Ahmed Ododo, launched a training program for frontline healthcare workers at the Government House in Lokoja. The training aims to upgrade healthcare workers’ skills, fortify the healthcare system, and tackle challenges faced by Primary Health Care Centres.
The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Elder Comrade Joel Oyibo Salifu, representing His Excellency, expressed gratitude to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting primary health care system nationwide.
The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to quality healthcare services, including accessible health centers statewide. He also appreciated support from development partners and stakeholders.
The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, represented by the Director, Primary Health Care System Development, NPHCDA, Dr. Ngozi Nwosu, in her addressed, commended the Kogi State Government for revitalizing the state’s primary health care system. She highlighted the launch of the frontline healthcare workers training program as a significant milestone in this journey.
Dr. Nwosu, who described the governor as a health friendly leader, assured that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency is committed to support the training program. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with Kogi State Government and other stakeholders to ensure the program’s success and sustainability. Dr. Nwosu also thanked the Kogi State Government for its commitment to strengthening the primary health care system and acknowledged the dedication and hard work of frontline healthcare workers.
Dr. Mu’azu Musa Omeiza, Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), highlighted that the primary healthcare system in Kogi State faces challenges like inadequate infrastructure, shortage of skilled personnel, and limited resources. To address these challenges, the training aimed at enhancing the capacity of local government Health Workers to provide high-quality, patient-centered care.
Dr. Mu’azu noted that Governor Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has demonstrated commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system, and the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, for his crucial role in ensuring the health sector’s success.
He also emphasized that the training will not only benefit the healthcare workers but also the communities they serve. It’s expected to have a positive impact on the primary healthcare system, promoting healthy behaviors, preventing diseases, and addressing social determinants of health.
During the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullazeez Adams Adeiza in his speech, stated that the training program is designed to enhance the capacity of local government health workers, improving healthcare quality , patient outcomes and the overall health care system.
The program will also address key challenges facing Primary Healthcare Centres in the state, including inadequate infrastructure, shortage of skilled personnel, and limited resources, Dr. Adeiza added.
He mentioned that the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is expected to declare the training open, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the state as a crucial step to strengthening the PHCs.
During his presentation, the coordinator of Kogi State’s frontline healthcare workers training program, Dr. Onimisi Abdullahi Ajayi, Director Community Health Services & Social Development, expressed his profound gratitude to the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his commitment to improving the healthcare system. He explained that the training program aims to enhance healthcare workers’ skills and knowledge, leading to better care quality, reduced medical errors, and improved better response to public health emergencies.
Furthermore, he noted that the program’s potential impact is vast, with benefits including: Improved healthcare outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly. Enhanced patient satisfaction. Better emergencies response. And reduced medical errors to minimized risk of adverse events.
Dr. Onimisi also acknowledged the support of Dr. AbdulAzeez Adams Adeiza, Hon. Commissioner for Health,
and Dr.Muazu Musa Omeiza, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, for their guidance and support. The coordinating team led by Dr. Grace Afolabi and Mr. Folayan Idowu is committed to making the training program effective and sustainable, with close monitoring and adjustments as needed.
In their separate goodwill messages, Dr. Amb A.K. Hudu, the representative from UNICEF, commended Kogi State’s efforts to strengthen frontline healthcare workers’ capacity. He expressed UNICEF ‘s pride in supporting this initiative, ensuring every mother and child has access to quality healthcare. Dr. Hudu emphasized the need for health care workers to learn the theory of change.
Dr. Alh. Gowson Dauda of World Health Organization (WHO), congratulated Kogi State on launching the critical training program. He emphasized that enhancing frontline healthcare workers’ skills is vital for achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes. Frontline healthcare workers are the back bone of any resilient health system. They are the first point of contact for many patients, and their skills and knowledge are critical in determining the quality of care that our citizens receive, Dr. Dauda added.
Dr. Dauda reiterated WHO’s unwavering support to Kogi State in strengthening primary healthcare, ensuring universal health coverage and building a resilient health workforce.
He also congratulated the frontline healthcare workers for their dedication and courage in delivering essential health care services.
Still speaking, Dr Dauda called on the attention of His Excellency, the Deputy Governor on the need for the State Government to reactivate and reinvigorate the Moribund Task Force on Immunization (TFI) in the State.
Alhaji. Abubakar Akowe, representative for all religious leaders, pledged their support to this noble initiative. He stated that the training will empower frontline healthcare workers to provide compassionate care, reflecting the values of kindness, empathy, and service to humanity.
HRH, Oba Dr. Amb, Frederick Durojaiye Balogun, the Olu of Apata- Oworo Lokoja LGA. Kogi State, applauded the state government’s commitment to upgrading frontline healthcare workers’ skills. He stated that the training will bring improved healthcare services to the people, promoting their wellbeing and prosperity.
Other dignitaries in attendance at the ceremony included:
– Chairman Committee on Health, Hon. Ochidi Usman
– Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Hilary Ojoma Egwuda
– Director General Govt. House Admin, Alh. Dr. Umaru Shaibu Oricha
-Ex. Chairman, Lokoja Local Govt., Comrade Abdullahi Adamu
-Special Adviser on Health, Hon. Jibrin Okikiri
– Perm.Sec. State Ministry of Health, Mrs Dorcas Enehe
– Representing.Ex. Sec. KSHIA, Mr. Abudu Benjamin
– Chief Medical Director, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ayo Olayemi
– Chief Medical Director, Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, Prof. Isah Adagiri
-Executive Director Executive Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), Amb Idris Ozovehe Muraina
-Ex.Sec State Drug Management Agency, Pharm Salamatu Yunusa Onize
-Acting CMD, Prince Audu Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Dr. Nayo Anthony
-SA- Special Duty 1,Hon. Bello Tinko
-SSA on Digital, Hon.Yahaya Shehu Ahmed
-NPHCDA Staff, Mrs. Suulola Grace & Mr. Folayan Idowu
-Director Administration KSPHCDA, Mr. David Ijalija Okpanachi
-Development partners/stakeholders, Religious leaders & Frontline Health Workers, Beneficiaries of the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
AWOKESON, RITA P.
~P.R.O
Kogi State Primary Health Care Dev. Agency
