ISSN 2736-1594
International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology ISSN 2736-1594, Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-004, March, 2023. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Access to postnatal care in rural regions being improved by community-health workers: field project report
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.
Accepted 16 January, 2023
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.