The Niger State Ward Health Development Committee

By  Fodio Ahmed
Click for Full Image Size

Ward is regarded as the closest component to the citizens of a given community that enables citizens participates fully in Government activities that affect them under the administrative figure of a councillor. The Ward Health Development Committee (WHDC) exists at the ward level making it an important management structure in the delivery of Health services and other developmental activities within the Ward.

The role of the WHDC as a component of Nigeria's Health System is emphasised and contained in the National Health Act In 2001; the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) adopted all the political wards in Nigeria as operational unit for the implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) activities.

The Primary Health Care Center, which is situated at the Ward Headquarters, is expected to provide integrated service to cover all PHC components, as it is the apex Health Facility/Referral Facility within the Ward. The basis of the Ward Health System (WHS) is strategically positioned to help ; Increase acceptance, improve demand as well encourage uptake of INTERAGTED HEALTH SERVICES.

The WHDC draws its membership from all community areas in the Ward. Members include the Traditional/Religious leaders, women and youth groups, Professional Associations, Cooperative societies, and other influential members of the ward. A minimum of 20 people and at least 40% of its members are women one whom must hold an effective position. The WHDC consist of representative from each of the Village in the Ward (CHAIRMEN OF THE VDCs). Others include representatives of various interest groups, women groups, youth organizations etc.

A chairperson and secretary shall be elected by members and if available, the Wards Community Development Officer. The committee can where necessary co-opt members of health related sector such as secondary and primary headmasters, Agric Extension Workers PHCN/Water Works Staff, NGOs at least 20% of membership will be women and they should be given effective roles.

The guidelines for constituting a team are ; Head of health facility selected as ward health focal facility in the Ward. Membership shall not exceed 20 persons at least 40% of membership shall be made up of women with roles and responsibilities and shall meet on monthly basis, comply with the quorum of members set for starting the meeting, record minutes of meetings.

Other responsibilities are ; ensure that minutes of meetings are signed by the Chairman and Secretary after approval at the next meeting, referral facility shall be the meeting venue and Secretariat of the Ward Health Development Committee, the Committee shall identify health and social needs of the communities in the ward and plan for them, advocate and intervene, where necessary for the support of the LGA, particularly for the support of vaccine availability at the facility from the LGA, ensure that children born to that community are immunized by notifying the HW(s) of any newborn delivered at home or any other place other than the facility.

The team shall also provide information for their community regarding immunization and other health related issues, investigate and dispel rumors if any, they put in their best to influence community to take immunization through showing good example by bringing their own babies to the facility for Immunization and finally work with the health workers in achieving set goals of community and human development.

In Niger State, the Ward Health Development Committee, WHDC is cordinated by the vibrant and visionary Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad.

Disclaimer: "The views expressed on this site are those of the contributors or columnists, and do not necessarily reflect TheNigerianVoice’s position. TheNigerianVoice will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements in the contributions or columns here."