The Igembe South Community Health Assistant, Purity Kaimuri, has called upon the government to prioritise training of the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in order to keep them updated on the emerging health issues and interventions.
Kaimuri noted that CHPs play a critical role in the community by educating the members of the public about a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.
She further said that CHPs are the backbone of primary healthcare, and therefore the government should prioritise continuous training programmes to equip them with knowledge and skills.
The health officer noted that promotional health focuses on improving overall well-being by encouraging healthy lifestyles and preventing diseases before they occur.
Subsequently, in efforts to reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and some of the respiratory diseases, CHPs create awareness about proper nutrition, physical activities, mental health, as well as immunisation.
Kaimuri further stressed on the importance of continuous training, adding that it ensures CHPs are well prepared to handle emerging diseases, as well as acquiring skills to operate mobile Apps and other digital platforms when collecting data.
Meanwhile, with the advancement of technology, CHPs need to be well versed and able to navigate new technologies, and this can only be achieved through offering continuous training, she added.
By Kamanja Maeria
