At least 40 community midwives have been trained on health matters in the North Bank Region by the Regional Health Directorate held in Farafenni.
The group known as Community Birth Companion concluded one month training on health and its related matters aimed at responding to the government commitment to reposition Primary Health Care strategy.
Mr. Ousman Ceesay, the assistant programme manager for Primary Health Care Unit at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, underscored the significant of the group, adding that the training will complement government’s efforts in promoting the health of the communities.
“Primary Health Care (PHC) road map which was developed in 2017, was aimed at responding to the commitment of the government to reposition the PHC strategy back to the centers of social beneficiaries agenda and ensure the healthy condition of the nation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care in the country and called on the Rural Development Committees to support the development in their localities.
He supplemented that: “Successful implementation of PHC road map will require the improvement of the total coverage of essential health services, strengthen the engagement and building of human resources. The effectiveness of PHC will definitely reduce the referrals system to the hospitals.”
Representing the NBR governor, Sana Colley, commended the health ministry for the foresight, describing the Primary Health Care as an important pillar in providing health care services in the country.
According to him, empowering Primary Health Care services will reduce the burden of healthcare services in the Secondary and Tertiary levels, assuring the support of the governor’s office in strengthen the health care services.
Mr. Karamba Keita, the Regional Health Director for Farafenni also assured his office commitment to working with PHC volunteers to enhance health for all.
He then said that: “There is need for the government to support PHC to ensure services for all. He noted that 66% of rural areas have PHC and a total of 14 circuits of Health Centers are in the North Bank Region East Region.”
Wandifa Samateh, the CEO of Farafenni General Hospital urged the trainees to be steadfast, adding that the work is voluntary.
Amulie Jammeh, a Community Health Nurse/Rural Health Services and a trainer thank the participants for their commitment to improve healthcare services at rural areas.
Author:Haruna Kuyateh
