Community Health Practitioners Seek Policy Inclusion to Cut Mortality Rates

Private Community Health Practitioners in Nigeria have called for stronger government collaboration and policy inclusion to reduce mortality and morbidity rates, particularly in rural communities.

The call was made at the National Delegates Conference of the Association of Community Health Private Practitioners of Nigeria, held at Anambra State College of Health Technology, Obosi, with the theme focused on reducing disease burden in underserved areas.

National President of the association, Comrade Wole Jonathan, urged federal and state governments to establish a Directorate of Community Health Services and formally involve practitioners in primary health care policy formulation. 

He described community health practice as the backbone of Nigeria’s primary health care system, noting that private practitioners are expanding access, easing pressure on public facilities, and supporting universal health coverage despite facing regulatory, financial, and recognition challenges.

In her remarks, South East Zonal Vice President, Comrade Ngozi Ekileonyeonwu, said practitioners operate under national guidelines and play a critical role in delivering healthcare to rural populations. She stated that their interventions have significantly reduced disease burden in local communities and appealed to the Anambra State Government to provide an enabling environment for all health professionals.

Resource persons at the conference emphasized professionalism, compassion, and increased funding for primary health care. They called for dedicated allocation of resources and stronger collaboration to improve service delivery and reduce mortality rates.

The event also featured an interactive question-and-answer session.