The Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), in collaboration with the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Sciences (CCSI) and the IVAN team, has conducted comprehensive capacity-building training for healthcare workers ahead of the implementation of the Community Bundle Innovation Project in selected communities of Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The training, held in Bodinga, Jega and Aliero, brought together Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), midwives, health facility in-charges, representatives of General Hospital Bodinga, and members of Local Government Area health teams.
The exercise was designed to strengthen the capacity of frontline healthcare providers to promote skilled birth attendance, deliver quality maternal and newborn healthcare services, and ensure timely referral of pregnancy-related complications.
According to the organisers, the Community Bundle Innovation Project seeks to address the high rate of home deliveries by increasing access to skilled healthcare providers within communities and strengthening the continuum of care for mothers and newborns.
A major highlight of the training was the introduction of the Baby Shower concept by the IVAN team as a community-based platform for maternal health education and engagement.
Following consultations with stakeholders, participants adopted the culturally appropriate and locally acceptable Hausa name, “Zauren Mata Masu Juna Biyu,” to enhance community acceptance and participation.
The initiative underscores the commitment of the implementing partners to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by empowering healthcare workers, promoting skilled birth attendance, and expanding access to quality healthcare services in underserved communities across Sokoto and Kebbi states.