The National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, has decried the shortage of community health workers in the state.
It added that employment of more staff will reduce the rate of diseases, mortality and mobility at the grass root.
The state chairman, Comrade Talabi Olusegun made this known on Friday during his inauguration as the new chairman of the association held at the Simeon Adebo Library Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Olusegun maintained that the only way to curb diseases, mortality and mobility in the rural area is when community health is encouraged and supported.
He called on the state government to employ more community health workers so that diseases, mortality and mobility in the rural area will be reduced.
”The numbers of community health personnel in the state is not enough. We are begging on the state governor to employ more staff in the system.
”The importance of community health workers in the state can not be undermined .We are closer to the grass root and when we are able to curb diseases in the rural area there will be no need of going to won’t get to general or teaching hospital”
The chairman urged Dapo Abiodun not to neglect community health in the state, saying that they are the core members of primary health in the state.
He called on other members of the association to support him in achieving his dreams as their new chairman.
”I want to use this platform to embrace all members of this association across all cadres to see it as an appointed time for all of us to team up and achieve our common goals. As for us, our minds are too focused and fixed on the greater height for this association.
”We have clearly stated in our agenda to vigorously pursued and achieve our cabi points which are career progression, regular workshop, member welfare, sustainable online educational platform among others. We shall run an inclusive approachable, responsible and responsive administration”
He therefore commended the National Secretariat, especially the acting National President and General Secretary, Ekiti state chapter for their unflinching supports.