The second phase of the orientation of Volunteer Community Mobilisers, VCMs, and health officers kicked off in the remaining11 Local Government Areas of the state.

The programme was being organised by Anambra State Government in collaboration with UNICEF.

Chineze George-Ileka, UNICEF desk officer, Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, said the orientation was aimed at eradicating morbidity and mortality in the state.

“Such orientation has been carried out in 11 LGAs within the state with Anaocha as the pilot study, where success was recorded,’’ George-Ileka said.

She noted that 10 VCMs were selected from all communities within the 11 remaining LGAs for the programme.

Others persons selected include health officers in charge of healthcare facilities within the LGAs.

The orientation had already commenced at Orumba North LGA on Aug. 30 as it was the first area set for the programme.

Other LGAs targeted for the programme from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13, include Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Anambra East, Nnewi North, Njikoka, Idemili North, Dunukofia, Aguata, Awka North and Awka South.

The VCMs were being trained to identify with or visit pregnant women and encourage them to patronise healthcare facilities, instead of traditional birth practitioners for antenatal checks and delivery.

“Every pregnant woman is expected to attend antenatal checks at least four times before delivery.

“Antenatal checks help to prevent mother to child HIV transmission,’’ the desk officer remarked.

She urged them to sensitise women on the advantages of immunisation, healthy food intake, indulging in exercises and proper hygiene practices to avoid infection and diseases.

George-Ileka also appealed to the health officers to always discharge their duties diligently as “every good work has reward.’’

“Shun laziness and embrace hard work; always remember that most pregnant women are faced with family challenges; correct them with humility,’’ she admonished.

George-Ileka noted that appraisal of pregnant women identified by the VCMs and new checks registered by the health officers would be conducted over the next two months.

Maurice P. Anetoh, a former secretary general, Anambra State Association of Town Union, ASATU, enjoined them to discharge their duties accordingly.

He appealed to them to carry the message imparted in them to the grassroots, Churches, house to house, markets and women meetings to actualise the aim of the programme.

Chukwudi Njelita, the head, Department of Health, Orumba North LGA, commended the UNICEF team for training his people.

He urged the VCMs and health officers to discharge their duties appropriately to make Orumba the best among other LGAs targeted for the programme.

Distribution of forms and writing materials to VCMs and selection of the leaders among them featured prominently during the occasion.

– Aug. 31, 2018 @ 18:19 GMT |