GSK, Lagos Health Ministry train health workers on IMCI
Save the Children with generous support from the GSK and in collaboration with Lagos Ministry of Health conducted a 6-day training for health workers from Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses(IMCI).
Save the Children with generous support from the GSK and in collaboration with Lagos Ministry of Health conducted a 6-day training for health workers from Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) on Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses(IMCI). The training is part of the capacity building process of the INSPIRING project of Save the Children International to build capacity of 210 health workers on effective management of common under-5 illnesses. The training has been scheduled to hold in batches to ensure smaller manageable groups, effective learning, coordination and observance of COVID19 prevention measures.
The first batch of training took place between 15th – 20th March 2021 in Amber Residence Hotel GRA Ikeja with clinical session holding in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and Massey Street Children Hospital, Lagos. Twenty- six health workers comprising of 8 medical doctors, 16 nurses and 2 community health workers selected from 13 primary healthcare centers in Ikorodu LGA were trained. Seasoned IMCI instructors which include Director, Family Health & Nutrition and Child Health Coordinator, Lagos State Ministry of Health facilitated the training.
Health workers were trained on how to assess and classify sick children, identification and treatment of the children, management of sick infant. There were also sessions on counselling of mothers and how to follow up on patients. The health workers made practical trips to LASUTH and Massey street hospital Lagos to demonstrate what they have learnt. There was also role plays, and classwork with the health workers giving daily feedback on what have been learnt. None of the health workers have been previously being trained on IMCI
On assessment, the health workers were able check for danger signs in sick child, identify treatment needs and make urgent referrals, manage sick young infant, counsel mothers and follow up on sick children. On completion of training, participants were presented with certificates and given tools to guide them on the use of skills acquired in the training. The training was attended by key program staff of the INSPIRING project. Also in attendance were staff of the GSK: donor organization for the project
The next batch of IMCI training will be held in April, 2021 upon agreed date with the Ministry of Health. The trained health workers will be followed up with in their facilities through close supervision, mentorship and coaching.