By Nadeem Shahid, Save the Children Pakistan
Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are the first and often the only link to health care for millions of people living in the scattered areas of Balochistan. They are the most immediate and cost-effective way to save lives, and foster a healthier, safer and more prosperous society. There are 7,200 LHWs in the province of Balochistan who are able to cover only 44% of the population.
On the morning of 11th April I could see that the Lady Health Workers were very excited to receive the best performing Lady Health Worker (LHW) Award in Balochistan. Most of them traveled a long way, as far as 1,300 kilometers to reach Quetta. The services of these committed LHWs were acknowledged by the Provincial heath authorities at provincial level.
34 year-old Abida Mustafa was announced as best lady health worker out of 30 other colleagues from various districts in the province. She said, “This is first time I am feeling the importance of my work in 17 years of my work experience with lady health workers program.”
These hardworking and committed frontline health workers were honored by being awarded shields and certificates. Their services were recognized by the representatives of WHO, UNICEF and the Health department, government of Balochistan. Dr. Tahira Kamal, Operation Officer for the World Health Organization (WHO), appreciated the services of LHWs saying that this is the real force which is in close contact with local far-flung communities of Balochistan.
These Lady Health Workers from various communities are chosen, trained, and then supervised to provide basic health care facilities in her own community. “I salute the real HEROES of our society," said Mr. Saleh Muhammad Nasir, Additional Secretary of Health, government of Balochistan.
“Balochistan is the largest area-wise province of Pakistan and is comprised of 30 districts. Currently 7,200 LHWs are providing their services to the urban and rural communities of Balochistan; which hardly covers 43% area of the total population,” said Dr Noor Muhammad Qazi, Provincial Coordinator National Program for LHWs.
The Director General Health Services Balochistan, Dr Naseer Ahmad Baloch in his speech said, “I welcome all the lady health workers representing their districts, civil society members, UN agencies and respected speakers. I really appreciate the collaborative efforts made by the Provincial Lady Health Worker’s program and Save the Children.”
As part of its Campaign, Save the Children has called on provincial governments to increase the number of frontline health workers from 7,200 in the province in order to provide mothers with skilled support to improve child-feeding practices, including breastfeeding, and contribute to an increase in maternal and newborn care during the critical first 28 days of life that account for over 40% of child mortality. In addition, the governments must take measures to ensure that mother-to-mother support groups are established to improve feeding practices. Save the Children has trained a number of health workers to identify malnourished children and refer them to the nearest Outpatient Therapeutic Program site. We also train health workers on infant and young child feeding practices so that they can provide frontline advice and encouragement to mothers in the community.