Oyo trains health officers on childhood illness management

Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to reduce child mortality and strengthen primary healthcare delivery with the training of health officers on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) across the 33 local government areas of the state.

The six-day intensive training programme, organised by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, was held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel and attended by officers on operational level responsible for coordinating child health interventions at the grassroots.

The programme focused on improving participants’ capacity in the prevention, identification, and treatment of common childhood illnesses such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Olatunji, described the training as a strategic intervention aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children under the age of five in Oyo State.

According to him, the IMCI strategy remains one of the most effective global approaches for addressing the major causes of child mortality and ensuring holistic child survival.

Dr Olatunji noted that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to strengthening the primary healthcare system through continuous capacity building, improved medical infrastructure, and policies targeted at improving maternal and child health.

“This training is not just another routine programme; it is a deliberate investment in the future of our children and the health system of Oyo State. We expect participants to return to their duty posts better equipped to identify, manage and refer childhood illnesses appropriately in line with global best practices,” he said.

He further stressed that effective child survival programmes depend largely on the competence and responsiveness of healthcare officers working at the community level.

Also speaking, the lead facilitators — Dr Rasheed Adepoju, Dr Taiwo Kolawole, Dr Olajumoke Margaret Aiyeku, Dr Zainab Hamzat, Mrs Atolagbe, and Mr Samuel Olaoye Olarinde — commended the state government for prioritising child healthcare and continuous professional development for health workers.

The facilitators explained that the IMCI strategy offers a comprehensive framework for strengthening health systems, improving case management, and promoting healthy practices within families and communities.

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They added that the training combined theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations, case studies, and group exercises to ensure effective knowledge transfer.

The State Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Programme Officer, Mrs Mosunmade Adepeju, also emphasised the importance of adherence to standard clinical guidelines in the treatment and management of illnesses affecting children under five.

She urged participants to remain committed to the principles and procedures taught during the training to improve early detection, treatment, and referral of childhood illnesses.

Participants at the programme expressed appreciation to the Board for the opportunity to enhance their professional competence and pledged to replicate the knowledge acquired in their various local government areas.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services through sustained investment in primary healthcare development, strategic partnerships, and continuous training of health personnel.