This project addresses the poor state of adolescent girls and maternal health in Boko Haram affected state of Borno, Nigeria. It also strengthens rural girls by supporting their transition from secondary school to being trained as Village Health Workers (VHWs).
In doing so, the acute shortage of health workers in Borno state will be addressed. Most of the health workers in the state are either retired or cannot go back to the rural communities due to security challenges. The VHWs will bridge the gap of shortage of health workers and increase the number of female hralth workers in rural Borno.
The three (3) pioneer areas are Bama, Konduga, and Gwoza. Girl Child Concerns mobilises women to attend health facilities and equally supports health provision.
The outcome:
- Trained VHWs practically demonstrated appropriate
community mobilisation and access to health facilities - Dormant clinics have been revived to function with the support of VHWs and supportive CHEWS.
The following are the major activities of the training:
- Advocacy to stakeholders and traditional rulers in Borno State
- Training of health workers – 240 VHWs and 30 supportive supervision Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs)
- Supportive supervision and monitoring of field activities of VHWs and supportive CHEWs
Data analysis from various health facilities:
- VHWs provided appropriate services to the client
- 8000 women were reached with information and knowledge on maternal neo-natal child health
