Health Policy Reform in Enugu State
How Cohort 2 alumni collaborated with the Enugu State Ministry of Health to redesign community health worker training protocols.
A coalition of Cohort 2 alumni from Enugu State has successfully advocated for comprehensive reforms to community health worker training protocols, affecting over 500 primary healthcare facilities across the state.
The Challenge
Community health workers (CHWs) form the backbone of Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, yet their training has often been inconsistent and poorly coordinated. Dr. Sunday Eze and his colleagues identified gaps in the existing curriculum that left CHWs underprepared for their complex roles.
The Intervention
Working with the Enugu State Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency, the alumni team:
- Conducted a Needs Assessment: Surveyed 150 CHWs to identify training gaps
- Developed New Curriculum: Created competency-based training modules
- Advocated for Budget Allocation: Presented to the State House of Assembly health committee
- Piloted the Program: Launched in three LGAs before statewide rollout
Key Achievements
- 500+ CHWs trained under the new protocol
- 40% reduction in maternal health referral delays
- ₦50 million budget line secured for continuing CHW education
- Policy brief adopted by the State Executive Council
Voices from the Field
“The training changed how I approach my work. I now understand the ‘why’ behind our procedures, not just the ‘what’.” — Grace Ugwu, Community Health Worker, Nsukka LGA
Sustainability
The alumni team has established a monitoring framework and continues to meet quarterly with the Ministry of Health to review outcomes. They are now exploring replication in neighboring states.