By Jim Moore, Malaria Partners International Board Member
Global Grant GG2095385 project that will train and equip 1,055 community health workers (CHWs) to provide basic health care at the household level for 550,000 people in three districts of the Copperbelt Province was launched May 17th in Mufulira, overcoming all of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful for the support of more than 2,000 Rotarians that has made this day and this life-saving project possible.” said Dr. Fred Kaoma, Murulira Rotary’s primary grant contact.
Two week-long sessions of 30+ CHW trainees each began today in adjacent class areas assisted by Rotarians from the Mufulira Rotary Club and Project Manager, Ms Maudy Lwenje. The opening ceremonies were attended by dignitaries from all levels of government, the participating Rotary Clubs of Mufulira, Kalulushi and Luanshya, and Malaria Partners Zambia. Media coverage was provided by national and local TV/radio as well as newspapers. The below photos document this important milestone.
By late July, all 387 CHWs for Mufulira District will have been trained and deployed–first to the rural health posts closest to their villages for 6 weeks of supervised practice, and then to their home villages. After a five-week break for Zambia’s national elections, training will continue with 255 CHWs in Kalulushi District, followed by 413 CHWs in Luanshya District. The current schedule calls for all 1,055 CHWs to be trained and equipped by the end of the 3rd week in December 2021.