By Sani Garba Mohammed, karaye@knsphcmb.org

A 5-day [2 days for lectures, 3 days for hands-on session at bedside in hospitals] training was organized by knsphcmb for the newly recruited midwives under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, BHCPF scheme.

The objectives of the training are to train participants to understand the structure of the Primary Health Care system and services; acquaint participants with the situation of Maternal, New-born, and Child Health in Nigeria; train participants on the new innovative strategies to improve Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, and Child Health + Nutrition (RMNCAH+N); and train participants on Primary Health Care data management and use of Data tools.

In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary, Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Tijjani Hussaini, described the training as unprecedented as this is the first time in the history of the state over 100 midwives will be injected into primary health care services under BHCPF, in addition to about 300 midwives/nurses employed by the present government at primary health care level, in an effort to address maternal and child health indices so that no woman or child died from preventable factors. He therefore, enjoined the midwives to their work diligently, blend with the community they are posted to and make a difference, and make sure they sent their progress report monthly to track their performances, failure of which a sanction could be applied.

He commended Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for doing his best in health services delivery in the state, and described as a true leader who identify with health sector always.

Director Nursing Services, Kano state Ministry of Health, Idris Zubair expressed his happiness over the interest and commitment of the government in employing midwives which are critical to the success of reducing maternal and child health. He therefore calls on the newly recruited midwives to lower themselves to the level of the community they are working, be fair, and make a serious impact so that they can justify their calling, and be good ambassadors of their profession.