Sector: Health and Population
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa
Funded by:
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Total Value: C$17,569,412
Partners and Counterparts:
In Canada: CARE Canada
In Nigeria: the College of Health Technology (CHT) in Cross River State and School of Health Technology (SHT) in Bauchi States; the State Ministries of Health (SMOH) and select Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in the two states.
Nigeria, Nigeria School of Health Technology and Primary Health Care development, CIDA: January 2006–January 2011
Purpose
To strengthen the capacities of educators at the CHT/SHT to provide effective pre-service and continuing education to basic and mid-level PHC personnel in Bauchi and Cross River States.
Challenge
The Government of Nigeria (GoN) is committed to strengthening its national health system to enable it to provide effective, efficient, quality, accessible and affordable health services that will improve the health status of Nigerians through the achievement of the health-related Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). Primary Health Care (PHC) is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s National Health Policy. The report “Revitalization of Primary Health Care in Nigeria–A Blue Print–September 2004–December 2008” reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the Alma Ata declaration (1978) and the principles underpinning it. However, the primary health care system in Nigeria currently does not come close to realizing them.
The Schools of Health Technology (SHTs) were established in the late 1970s as part of Nigeria’s Basic Health Services Scheme to train a new cadre of PHC workers to staff the basic health units then being constructed. Currently, the CHT/SHT in Bauchi and Cross River train a variety of PHC workers, including Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEWs), environmental health officers, medical technicians and records clerks.
Approach
The Nigeria College/School of Health Technology and Primary Health Care Development Project is a capacity development project, with a critical role to play in assisting the Government of Nigeria (GON) to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, quality and accessibility of its PHC programs and services and to improve the health status of Nigerians. The project aims to create sustainable, replicable models for improved PHC provision in Bauchi and Cross River States. It works with the College and School of Health Technologies in these states to upgrade facilities, to enhance the capacity of teaching personnel, to strengthen the curriculum and teaching pedagogy, and to build institutional capacity for strategic planning, management and procurement (including Information Communication Technologies).
The project aims to stimulate greater community involvement in assessing and planning to meet PHC needs. It is guided by key principles and cross-cutting themes including: gender equality; participation and partnership; appreciative approaches; accountability and transparency; pluralism; student-centred, outcome-based learning; HIV/AIDS mainstreaming and sustainability.
Project Description
The Consortium of Agriteam Canada Consulting Ltd. and CARE Canada are serving as the CEA for the project. Agriteam is the lead agency authorized to represent the CEA to CIDA and to take any action necessary for the management of the project contract on behalf of the consortium. The contract was signed between CIDA and Agriteam in August 2006. The project management start up mission took place in late August to September 2006. The project inception mission took place in late October to November 2006. The project implementation plan (PIP) was approved July 3rd, 2007. The five-year project runs from 2006–2011.
Capacity building for the project takes place at three main levels: individual, organizational and systemic. The project collaborates with individuals and local organizations, using existing structures and processes rather than creating new ones, wherever possible. The project has work packages designed around its five major components, including: (I) Capacity Development (CD) of Tutors and PHC Personnel - leading to better trained and gender-sensitive basic and mid-level PHC personnel, working effectively with the community; (II) Institutional Development of CHT and SHT - leading to more effective administration and operation of CHT/SHT; (III) Community Outreach - leading to effective and gender-sensitive (and integrated) PHC programs being delivered with community outreach and participants in targeted LGAs; (IV) Procurement - leading to refurbished PHC facilities providing improved service delivery to the community and effective practicum site experiences and (V) Project Management.
Results
- Key Partnership Agreements signed with State Ministries of Health, participating Local Government Authorities (LGA) and the College and School of Health Technologies in the two States. Project Staff and Senior Management continue to build relationships key partners and stakeholders at each of these levels and with a range of NGOs working in the health sector, and with key donors.
- All international personnel on long term assignments recruited and mobilized to field, including an International Project Field Manager; International Primary Health Care Specialist, International Health Education Specialist, and a number of local professionals, administrative and support staff.
- The project has recruited and maintains a number of short-term international technical advisors and local outside short-term consultants to support various aspects of the project’s capacity building activities.
- The project has implemented rapid appraisals and initial appreciative assessments and embarked on a number of capacity building activities in all project components, including gender and HIV/AIDS sensitization.
- Curriculum Committees and other sub-committees established at CHT and SHT.
- Project vehicles have been purchased and delivered for the CHT in Calabar, Cross River State to support monitoring and supervisory activities. Plans are in place to purchase vehicles for the SHT in Ningi, Bauchi. Other procurement work for refurbishment of CHT and SHT started.
- Primary Health Care facilities have been selected in both states; rapid assessments carried out; construction scoping mission completed. List of equipment and materials identified for selected facilities.
- The project has held two PSC meetings; one PAC meeting; State level consultation/planning workshops as well as Visioning Workshops at the local government area (LGA) and Health Facility levels.
Canadian Project Manager
Bill Lockhart
Bill.Lockhart@cnhtp.org