Following the partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Kwara State Government has commenced a 4-day intensive training of health workers, to enhance their productivity.
The UNFPA under the supervision of European Union Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU SARAH) Project, is currently training health Supervisors from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, on the Revised Contraceptive Logistics Management System (CLMS) and the Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS) for the State Reproductive/ Family Planning, Logistics Management and Coordination Unit and Family Planning.
The training, which kicked off yesterday in Ilorin, is aimed at strengthening the logistics and data management capacity of key personnel, responsible for family planning across the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, stated that, the training is to ensure uninterrupted access to family planning commodities, especially in ‘hard-to-reach areas’.
Dr El-Imam further emphasized the critical roles of Supervisors as frontline health ambassadors in their respective Local Government, hence the training, adding that the training is expected to enhance data-driven decision-making, improve supply chain efficiency and ultimately ensure no woman is left behind in accessing essential reproductive health services.
She therefore, charged participants to fully engage in the training and deploy the knowledge gained to improve the health outcomes in their various communities.
“You are the face of your Local Government Areas in this crucial area of reproductive health. You must work diligently to ensure that family planning commodities reach even the most remote communities.
“With the unwavering support of His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, we are committed to improving access and outcomes in all 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State.” Dr. El-Imam stated.
She noted further that; “the present administration is leveraging on technical supports from development partners including UNICEF and UNFPA, Government is therefore set to collaborate with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to deepen reach and equity in commodity distribution.
“Therefore, there will be zero tolerance of preventable challenges or excuses. Focus on the people you are privileged to serve and take this opportunity seriously,” the Commissioner warned.
In her remarks, the State Focal Person UNFPA which is the component of EU-SARAH Project, Dr. Esther Shomefun, highlighted the significance of Kwara being the first state to implement the revised logistics system under the project, adding that the expectations are high.
According to her; if we are able to meet the set targets, we can significantly reduce preventable maternal deaths and ensure that every woman is empowered and protected from violence. This training is therefore key, towards that vision,” Dr. Shomefun concluded.
The training is being attended by Family Planning Supervisors from all the 16 Local Government Areas of the state, as well as logistics officers from the State Ministry of Health.
