The Kwara State Government has commenced the training for frontline health supervisors across its 193 wards as part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes at the grassroots level.

The training, organised by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from the United Nations Children's Fund, is aimed at enhancing the performance of Community Health Workers through effective supportive supervision.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Press Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Bukola Abdulganiyu, the two-day training, which commenced on Monday, brought together Community Health Extension Workers serving as Volunteer Health Supervisors from the 193 wards across the state.

Speaking at the workshop, the Executive Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the initiative underscores the government's commitment to continuous capacity building as a means of improving healthcare service delivery and achieving better health outcomes for communities.

"Continuous capacity building is essential to improving healthcare service delivery and achieving better health outcomes for our communities. Effective supervision reinforces the skills of community health workers, promotes accountability and enhances the quality of healthcare services delivered at the grassroots level," Elelu said.

She urged participants to take full advantage of the training, noting that effective supervision remains critical to supporting frontline health workers and ensuring quality healthcare services at the community level.

"This training will equip supervisors with the tools and competencies required to support frontline health workers, improve service delivery, strengthen data quality and promote evidence-based decision-making within the health sector," she added.

The Executive Secretary also disclosed that the agency would continue to support Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response activities and nutrition outreach programmes aimed at reducing preventable deaths among mothers and children.

"We will continue to support initiatives that expand access to quality child healthcare services and strengthen efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality across the state," Elelu stated.

She further noted that improved supportive supervision would enhance data accuracy and contribute to building a stronger and more responsive healthcare system.

In his goodwill message, the State Health Educator and representative of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Jibril Abdulkareem, emphasized the critical role of supervisors in driving positive health outcomes through community engagement and behaviour change interventions.

"Demand generation is a key determinant of the success of every health programme. This project is designed to stimulate demand for healthcare services at the community level," Abdulkareem said.

He explained that Volunteer Health Mobilizers serve as a vital link between communities and health facilities by encouraging individuals and families to access available healthcare services.

"Effective supervision will ensure optimal performance among volunteers and contribute significantly to the achievement of the programme's objectives," he added.

Also speaking, UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, Dr. Usman Danlami, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting the Government of Nigeria in improving health outcomes for women, children and adolescents through strategic partnerships and community-based interventions.

"The success of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition interventions depends not only on the availability of quality healthcare services but also on the willingness of individuals, families and communities to adopt positive health-seeking behaviours," Danlami said.

He noted that Social and Behaviour Change approaches provide cost-effective tools for engaging communities, addressing harmful norms and misconceptions, promoting informed decision-making and creating sustained demand for essential health and nutrition services.

Danlami assured participants of UNICEF's continued support towards promoting equitable access to quality healthcare services.

In his remarks, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, described community mobilizers as the "foot soldiers" of health interventions because of their crucial role in linking communities with healthcare services.

"Community mobilizers are at the forefront of efforts to connect people with essential healthcare services. Their role is indispensable in creating awareness and encouraging participation in health programmes," he said.

Abdulganiyu urged participants to intensify efforts at generating demand for health services at the grassroots level, stressing that increased awareness and community participation are vital to improving health outcomes.

He also commended the Kwara State Government and KWSPHCDA for their sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state.