Group Urges Community C’tte on Taking Full Ownership of PHCs for Better Maternal, Child Health

By Praise Chinecherem

Members of Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Ward Development Committees (WDCs) have been urged to take complete ownership of primary health care centres (PHCs) in their communities.

SPARK 2 implementing partners made the appeal at a one-day maternal health champions engagement meeting in Awka aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare service delivery in primary healthcare centers.

The meeting held under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK) 2 project implemented by Justice Development and Peace Caritas, (JDPC), Civil Rights Concern, CRC and Community Empowerment Network, (COMEN).

The engagement funded by International Budget Partnership (IBP), and featured women of resilient – widows, and single mothers, seeks to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services across PHCs in the state.

In a welcome address, Rev. Fr. Chima Okolo, Director, Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi, described the meeting as a bold step towards the much-desired system shift in Anambra State’s Primary Healthcare system.

“The vision of SPARK II is to strengthen maternal and child health (MCH) service delivery through inclusive, accountable, and community-driven engagement at our PHCs.

“At the heart of this effort is the recognition that healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. That is why the gender and intersectionality design of this program matters.

Father Okolo further explained, “Women, young girls, men, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups experience health services differently.

The Director affirmed, “Our responsibility is to ensure that no voice is left unheard, and no citizen is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.

“This meeting brings together those who will stand at the frontline of change – community champions, system advocates, and accountability actors who will bridge the gap between policy, service delivery, and community needs.”

He noted that working together, barriers, inequities will be dismantled while solutions to challenges can be co-created to save lives, improve trust, and build resilient PHCs.

“Let this meeting be a springboard for renewed collaboration, evidence-based advocacy, and practical action.

“Together, let us champion a health system that works for every mother, every child, and every community in Anambra State,” he concluded.

Earlier, Executive Director of Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) and SPARK 2 Project Consultant, Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike described the meeting as critical for PHCs in the state.

She said, “We gather today for a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening community engagement and improving maternal health outcomes in our locality.

“The training of Ward Development Committees (WDCs), COMEN, widows and single mothers as Maternal Health Champions is a strategic step toward bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly for pregnant women seeking care at nearby PHCs.

“Through this empowerment, we envision these champions becoming pivotal links between communities and healthcare facilities, fostering awareness, reducing barriers, and encouraging timely utilization of maternal health services.

“Their roles can catalyze positive change touching lives of mothers and contributing to healthier families and communities.

“Let’s explore together how we can collectively enhance support systems for pregnant women, leveraging the strengths of WDCs, COMEN, and these dedicated groups of women, ultimately nurturing better health outcomes for all.

JDPC Programme Manager, Onyekachi Ololo said the Maternal Health Champions will serve as pivotal links between communities and healthcare facilities.

“You will foster awareness, reduce barriers, and encourage timely utilization of maternal health services.

Ololo told the participants, “if you do your job effectively, your facilities will reap the benefits. The aim of MHCs as a community-led initiative is to improve maternal and child healthcare service delivery through accountability, gender inclusion, and citizen participation.

Participants including Vitus Oraegbunam, Albert Chinwuko and Ifeoma Okafor, pledged their commitment to the task which they described as service to humanity.

The meeting availed COMEN and WDCs members ample opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications about their noble mandate.