A health worker, Ms Charity Ayuba, says sustained community engagement has improved awareness of malaria, pneumonia, nutrition and environmental sanitation in Waru community, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ayuba, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), however said in an interview on Monday in Abuja, that many residents initially resisted the health messages she shared.
Acording to reports, CHEWs are trained to provide primary healthcare services at the community level; these services include preventive health education and immunisation.
Other services they provide include maternal and child health services, family planning, and basic curative services.
‘’Some residents dismissed my awareness campaigns and made unpleasant comments during my visits.
‘’However, the resistance did not discourage me from continuing the outreach, ‘’ she said.
She said that her campaign focused on mothers and caregivers because they played a vital role in protecting family health.
“I knew that if I remained consistent, people would understand the value of preventing diseases before they became seriously ill.
“I continued to visit homes and engage mothers and caregivers with practical health information,” the worker said.
She said that persistent discussions focused on hygiene, nutrition, malaria prevention and the early signs of pneumonia, gradually earned the trust of residents.
That, she said, resulted in the community becoming more receptive to preventive health messages and healthier practices.
According to her, many families now pay greater attention to environmental sanitation and proper nutrition.
‘’Caregivers also seek medical attention earlier, when children develop signs of illness; the experience shows that trust is essential for improving community health, ‘’ Ayuba said.
The worker called for greater support for frontline community health workers, through regular training and adequate resources.
She also advocated sustained investment in community-based health education.
‘’Empowering CHEWs will strengthen primary healthcare services and reduce preventable diseases.
‘’Women and children will benefit most from stronger community health systems, ‘’ she said.
Ayuba urged residents to maintain clean surroundings and observe good personal hygiene, while also encouraging families to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
She advised residents to seek prompt medical care whenever symptoms of illness appeared.
Ayuba, who expressed optimism, said that stronger collaboration would improve health outcomes in Waru and other FCT communities.
