Bulawayo is set to train 63 additional Community Health Workers (CHWs) after the Ministry of Health and Child Care offered the city an opportunity to participate in a UNICEF-funded training programme to strengthen community-based healthcare services.
The offer, which is being extended to all 10 of Zimbabwe’s provinces, was presented in a report by the Director of Health Services contained in the Health, Housing and Education committee report.
According to the report, the Health Services Department requested councillors to identify eligible candidates from their wards for the training programme. Trainees must be between the ages of 21 and 50, be able to read and write, and be physically fit to walk long distances within their communities.
The department noted that while some previously trained Community Health Workers have not yet been absorbed into the health system, it remains important for Council to take advantage of the training opportunity, as similar funding may not be available in future.
On this topic
During discussions, Ward 10 Councillor Khalazani Ndlovu questioned the continued training of Community Health Workers when many who had already completed training remained unemployed. Ndlovu expressed concern over the growing number of trained CHWs who have not been absorbed into formal employment structures.
“Many trained groups remain unabsorbed, while the few who have been absorbed are being remunerated. Consideration should be given to distributing the allocated funds equally among all trained personnel,” said Ndlovu.
Responding to the concerns, Ward 14 Councillor Dumisani Netha said training remained important because it prepared residents to take advantage of opportunities when they became available. Netha said the programme would ensure communities had a pool of trained individuals ready to serve whenever vacancies arose.
“It is preferable for individuals to be trained, as this ensures they are better prepared and positioned to take up opportunities when they arise,” said Netha.
The Assistant Director of Health Services (Environmental Health), Charles Malaba, also defended the programme, noting that the training was fully funded and presented an opportunity Council should not overlook. Malaba added that the training would equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge while creating a pool of qualified personnel for future recruitment.
“The training of Community Health Workers is fully funded, and Council should therefore utilise this opportunity. The training ensures that participants are better prepared and positioned to take up opportunities when they arise,” said Malaba.
Further clarifying the issue in an interview with CITE, Director of Health Services Dr Edwin Sibanda-Mzingwane said Council had not yet absorbed all previously trained Community Health Workers, but stressed that the new trainees would form a reserve pool that could be called upon when needed.
Dr Sibanda-Mzingwane also encouraged interested residents to contact their local councillors for information on how to register for the training programme.
“We are yet to absorb all the trained Community Health Workers. Residents who want to sign up for the training should contact their local councillors for more details on the registration process. When we lose a Community Health Worker, we will draw from the pool of trained cadres,” he said.
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