By Nafisa Adamu
In a significant stride towards improving childhood diarrhea treatment outcomes in Kano State, a comprehensive two-day training program was organized to build the capacity of 368 frontline healthcare workers at the Primary Healthcare (PHC) level.
The focus was on effective childhood diarrhea management using WHO-recommended Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) Guidelines, with an emphasis on zinc Low Osmolarity Rehydration Solution (Lo-ORS) to reduce childhood mortality among children under 5 and promote child health and survival.
The training sessions covered a wide array of topics, including an overview of diarrhea and its prevalence, types, causes, prevention, and treatment using zinc Lo-ORS for diarrhea management in children under five.
The sessions were meticulously designed to impart the latest knowledge and skills, equipping healthcare workers with the expertise needed to address challenges in maternal and child nutrition effectively.
The training not only delved into theoretical aspects but also provided practical insights, ensuring that participants could apply their learning in real-world healthcare settings.
During the training initiative, Amina Atta, Senior Program Officer at Nutrition International (NI), emphasized the organization’s commitment to an enduring partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Health, FAcE-PaM, and other stakeholders.
The collaboration aims to ensure continuous and refresher training for frontline health workers in the state, particularly in the critical area of diarrhea management. Atta highlighted the necessity of ongoing training for health workers, emphasizing their expertise in preventing dehydration and providing timely rehydration critical components in addressing diarrhea diseases.
With proper and continuous training, health workers can play a pivotal role in empowering caregivers to address and manage this preventable and treatable illness effectively.
The utilization of the Zinc and Lo-ORS combination package, as emphasized in the training, becomes a potent tool in the hands of caregivers, potentially saving countless young lives. Given that diarrhea disease poses a significant threat to the well-being of young children, Atta highlighted the importance of an ongoing partnership to combat this pressing health issue.
Mrs. Victoria, the Nutrition International State Coordinator, emphasized the crucial role of healthcare workers in the success of the project.
She urged participants to redouble their efforts, highlighting the potential impact on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the state. Mrs. Victoria affirmed Nutrition International’s commitment to supporting the state in enhancing maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.
Hajiya Halima, the State Nutrition Officer, underscored the paramount importance of diarrhea management and prevention as it affects the nutrition and well-being of children under five years. She emphasized its role in compromising children’s immunity and the development of other health complications.
Halima also stressed that exclusive breastfeeding contributes not only to the child’s health but also to the well-being of the mother, preventing the child from developing diarrhea complications.
Mrs. Abigail James, FAcE-PaM Project Manager, reaffirmed FAcE-PaM’s commitment to promoting child health and survival, aiming for Improved Diarrhea Treatment Outcomes in Northern Nigeria and a reduction of diarrhea cases in Kano state. FAcE-PaM will continue working closely with the trained healthcare workers for better diarrhea treatment service delivery and enhanced integrated management of childhood illnesses across the facilities.
Furthermore, the training shed light on the significance of gender equality in healthcare, highlighting the pivotal role of male engagement in the effective management of diarrhea cases. It showcased a commitment to fostering a holistic approach to healthcare, with the active participation of both male and female stakeholders exemplifying a shared dedication to advancing the quality of healthcare services in the region.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers in Kano State. The knowledge and skills imparted are anticipated to contribute substantially to improved child health outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and the promotion of gender-inclusive practices in healthcare.
The collaborative effort of Nutrition International, FAcE-PaM, and key stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to transforming the landscape of maternal and child nutrition in the region.
