Global Advanced Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences (GARJMMS) ISSN: 2315-5159
September 2012 Vol. 1(8), pp. 222-225
Copyright © 2012 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Community-Health Worker Partnership to improve access to postnatal care in rural areas: report of field project

Garba M. Ashir¹*, Mustapha G. Modu¹, Babagana Bako², Mustapha Bello¹, Adamu I. Rabasa¹, Alhaji M. Arab¹, Yusuf A. Yusufari³, Eric E. Amuah³, Mohammed Liman⁴, Baaba B Hafsat⁵

¹Department of Paediatric, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
³PRRINN-MNCH Program, Damaturu, Yobe state Nigeria.
⁴State Ministry of Health, Damaturu, Yobe state, Nigeria.
⁵Department of O&G, State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State.

*Corresponding author E-mail: ashirugarba@yahoo.com; Mobile: +2348065406306

Accepted 16 August, 2012

Abstract

Access to quality postnatal care (PNC) services remain poor in Nigeria. According to the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the national coverage of PNC visits was only 44% and more than 70% of mother’s who give birth at home do not see any healthcare provider during the postnatal period at all. Community-based intervention aimed testing the impact of integrated maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) outreach services by community health extension worker (CHEW). A community-CHEW partnership was formed. Serials of competency-based training on essential of newborn care were given to the CHEW. The impact of this model on PNC was evaluated. Significantly more intervention newborns received PNC by CHEWs within 48hrs of birth and at least 3 PNC visits during the first week of life [89% Vs 5%; p=0.00 and 94% Vs 11%;p=0.00 respectively]. Similarly, treatment and referral percentages for neonatal sepsis is significantly high in the intervention group [20% Vs 6%; p=0.00 and 38% Vs 0%; p=0.00 respectively]. Community Health Extension Worker-driven outreach was successful in improving the PNC coverage of a vulnerable group of remote newborns. The partnership model is easily adapted to our primary health system.

Keywords: Community-Health Worker, Postnatal Care, Nigeria.