By Nnedinma Okeke
For many Nigerians, the community health practitioner is often the first health professional they encounter when illness strikes, making the quality of that first interaction crucial to early detection, timely care and confidence in the healthcare system.
This vital role came into focus in Awka as the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN) commenced its five-day Annual Scientific Conference, with the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency stressing the importance of practitioners in linking Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with the communities they serve.
The conference, which runs from Sept. 21 to 25, is themed “Enhancing Community-Based Health Services Through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund: The Essential Role of Community Health Practitioners.” Its opening ceremony was held on Sept. 22, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University ASUU Secretariat Complex, Awka.
The event brought together Community Health Practitioners, healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, development partners and other stakeholders to examine challenges and opportunities in community-based healthcare delivery.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Dr. Chizoba Prisca Ezeasor, described Community Health Practitioners as a vital link between PHCs and the people they serve.
“Your work in PHCs can determine whether illness is prevented, detected early or allowed to become an emergency, and your conduct, competence and commitment can determine whether members of the community develop confidence in the health system,” she said.
Dr. Ezeasor encouraged practitioners to uphold professionalism, continuous learning, ethical practice and accountability, while strengthening community engagement and promoting accurate health information.
“I also urge you to strengthen community engagement, promote accurate health information and support Government’s efforts in ensuring that no mother, child or vulnerable person is left behind,” she added.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN), Prof. Bashir Idris, urged practitioners to continually upgrade their knowledge through advanced academic programmes and professional training.
Prof. Idris said the Association’s slogan, “Community Health is Our Concern, Using Technology is a Way Out,” highlighted the need to harness technology to improve community health services.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to maintaining training standards and enforcing professional ethics and conduct among practitioners.
Prof. Idris commended the Anambra State Government and the state chapter of ACHPN for their hospitality and support in hosting the conference, which provides a platform for practitioners, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the profession and explore ways to strengthen community healthcare.
In her welcome address, the Chairperson of ACHPN, Anambra State Chapter, Mrs. Chinyere Edeh, described Community Health Practitioners as the “foot soldiers” of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the first point of contact for millions of Nigerians.
She said the conference offered an opportunity to reaffirm the profession’s commitment to strengthening PHC services, addressing service-delivery gaps and improving health outcomes across communities.
Mrs. Edeh urged participants to engage fully throughout the five day programme and return to their respective states, localities and communities with improved knowledge, skills and a renewed commitment to service.
Other distinguished speakers included the Founder of Unique Open University, Prof. Chris Imumolen, and the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olushola Jimoh, among others.
The conference features professional presentations, stakeholder engagements and discussions on community healthcare, alongside the presentation of awards to practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders recognised for their contributions to the development of community health services.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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