In a bid to address manpower shortages in the health sector, the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has commenced the recruitment of Community-Based Health Workers.

The exercise, which took place on Tuesday at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Aroma Awka, is part of efforts to strengthen access to affordable healthcare, particularly in rural communities where inadequate staffing has contributed to maternal mortality, preventable deaths, and low health-seeking behaviour.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, Chisom Uchem, described the recruitment as crucial in bridging the gap between residents and health facilities.

She emphasised that the role comes with great responsibility, warning applicants against negligence and fraudulent practices.

“The exercise would help ensure that basic services reach people at the grassroots. We urge successful applicants to carry out their duties with compassion and integrity; negligence could cost lives. Anyone caught using forged certificates during the recruitment process would face the law,” Uchem stated.

The Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo Obiageli, explained that the new workers would support healthcare delivery by caring for the sick, guiding residents to health centres, and assisting expectant mothers to achieve safe deliveries.

She noted that the initiative is targeted at reducing maternal deaths, stillbirths, and other preventable conditions.

“At least 10 health workers are expected to be deployed to each ward across the state to address shortages in Primary Healthcare Centres,” Obiageli added.

The initiative is seen as a major step by the Anambra State Government to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve public health outcomes at the grassroots.