…….. as USAID IHP TO3 held QRM
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Weak implementation of policy on Ward Development Committees (WDCs), ineffective and poor composition of its membership and that of health facility management committees at the community level, have been identified as some of the key gaps that negatively effects community involvement and participation, aimed at improving health care services and uptake of such services provided by the health facilities (HFs).
These gaps were highlighted by participants at the just concluded USAID funded Integrated Health Program’s (IHP) quarterly review meeting (QRM) tagged ’Pause and Reflect Learning Session’, held on 5th and 6th April, 2023 at the conference hall of Hazibal Hotel Bauchi.
In trying to proffer linkages that might help in addressing some of the identified gaps, the participants have equally agreed that Bauchi State Ministry of Health and its Agencies should ensure proper implementation of the policy establishing the WDCs and also revisit the composition of the committees with a view to having quality and effective membership that would hold service providers at HFs accountable.
The participants also agreed that, deliberate effort should be geared towards raising the consciousness of communities on the need to own, participate and get involved in the affairs of HFs in their communities.
Also proffered by the participants was the entrenchment of a sound accountability mechanism that will keep community members abreast on the activities of the health facilities in their communities, especially in the management of drug revolving funds (DRF).
Participants were also of the view that that key influential members of community should be identified and given certain responsibilities towards strengthening community participation and involvement in activities of HFs.
While emphasizing on the need for feedback mechanism between the HFs and the community, the participants also identified the role of media in amplifying the yearnings and aspirations of both communities and service providers for improved health care services.
Another key suggestion proffered by the participants during the USAID IHP ‘Pause and Reflect Learning Sessions’ was on the need to have a robust intermittent integrated supportive supervision in order to avoid duplication of efforts by partners.
The meeting attracted participants from all Bauchi State health related MDAs, International Partners, Media and CSOs
Our correspondent reports that, presentations were made by all USAID funded health related interventions in Bauchi State.
(featured picture used is for illustrative purposes only)