By Nnedinma Okeke :
Amawbia (Awka South LGA), June 23, 2020 (MOI) National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), has sponsored training of health workers at primary healthcare and community levels on preparedness and response to Coronavirus disease.
The training, which took place from June16 – June 20 was done simultaneously in the 21 Local Government Health Authorities (LGHA) of the state.
While monitoring Amawbia venue, Awka South Local Government (LGA), the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu noted that it was a well coordinated training.
“This training is also happening simultaneously in 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”
She stressed the need to train and retrain health workers on the signs and symptoms of the new deadly and infectious disease.
“Always observe COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines, which include regular hand washing with soap and water in every health facility.
“Practice social distancing with patients and their relatives. Ensure the wearing of facemasks and prompt referral of any case being suspected of having COVID-19,” she said.
Dr Ezenyimulu said that the essence of the 4-day training for health workers and one-day for community volunteers was to further strengthen government’s efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
She, urged health workers to make maximum use of the knowledge/opportunity as well as put it into use in their respective health facilities as it would aid protect them and the populace from Coronavirus.
The Primary Healthcare (PHC) Director, Awka South LGHA, Dr Frank Umeh said COVID-19 pandemic was a war caused by virus and health workers being on the frontline have to be equipped for the battle.
He noted that Coronavirus disease was not a death sentence, emphasising the need to refer patients with the disease promptly to the State’s Protective Centres.
Dr Umeh urged sick people not to hide their symptoms as it could make the fatality rate higher.
“One is more likely to live when he or she goes to the hospital than staying in the house and people should learn how to talk inside the face mask,” he added.
He enjoined health workers to pay attention to what was being taught as it would help them to dispel rumours and educate their community members on what to do as knowledge was power.
Officer -In-Charge (OIC), Maternal and Child Health Centre (MCH), Amawbia, Mrs Ifeyinwa Anigbogu said the training would enable the workers to curtail spread of the disease while discharging their duties.
Some topics handled at the NPHCDA Training include `Introduction and overview of COVID-19’, `Infection prevention and control during COVID-19 pandemic’ and `provision of services during COVID-19 outbreak’.
Others are `Equipment and commodities required in a PHC during COVID-19 pandemic’, `Handling Safe Linen, Waste Management/Environmental Cleaning at PHC Level’ and `Risk communication for PHC workers’.
The event witnessed video presentations and practical displays of health workers service provision in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic.(MOI)
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