MINISTER of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, has called on trainees of the newly-launched Community Health Worker (CHW) programmer, to make a difference with the toolbox of knowledge that they will gather from the CHW training.

She was, at the time, delivering the feature address at the launch of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Programme in Region Two on Monday at the Anna Regina Health Centre.

Declaring the six-month programme open, Minister Lawrence said the delivery of healthcare in Region Two will experience a boost now that 36 young people will undergo training in the healthcare system and they will be expected to return to their community to serve.

She, therefore, reminded the participants of the programme that they represent the healthcare system, and as such, should display professional behaviour at all times.
“You are all unique, you have the opportunity to better yourself and your community, you are lucky in Region Two to have all the lecturers right here, don’t waste it,” Minister Lawrence said.

The minister emphasised that the Community Health Worker (CHW) will be the “bridge” that will fill the gap in their respective communities and told them to approach the classes with seriousness and commitment. The minister of public health reminded the audience that the Government of Guyana’s focus, under the Ministry of Public Health, is to ensure that every citizen, despite their geographical location, are provided with “good health” and that maximum services are provided, especially to the far-flung regions.

She, therefore, urged the trainees upon completion of the programme, to raise the bar of the healthcare system and to practice the various techniques that they will be taught. She also commended the efforts of Region Two healthcare providers for the excellent service they have been providing to the residents of the region throughout the years.
Meanwhile, Region Two Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, said he was pleased to host the training programme in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region.

He said for the very first time, the programme has been introduced in the region, more and more young people are given the opportunity for further career enhancement. He further stated that the CHW programme is a much-needed one, and it was launched at an opportune time.

Giving an overview of the programme was the acting Regional Health Officer, Dr Afarah Khan. She said that in 2017, 42 persons were trained as CHW with those workers dispersing in Regions Six and Nine to offer their services.

During the six-month programme, trainees will be taught anatomy and physiology, environmental health, personal hygiene, English Language, the healthcare system, common illnesses, vector control, communication, first aid, substance abuse, mental health, elderly health, clinical procedure, pharmacology, maternal child health, clinical procedure, surveillance, integrated management childhood illness and basic nutrition.

In the sixth month, the trainees will be placed at the various health centres on attachment within their respective communities. They will also undergo a final examination. Dr Khan, therefore, urged them to use the opportunity to serve their communities.

Several of the participants, especially those who hailed from the Riverain communities such as Wakapoa, Akawini and Kabakaburi, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Public Health and the Region Two Administration for affording them the opportunity. Many of them said they chose the programme because they want to be ambassadors of the healthcare system and they have a passion to serve.