New rural ASHAs trained in child, maternal and community healthcare

Dimapur, October 14 (MExN): A five-day induction training programme for newly recruited rural Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) was conducted by the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) Office, Dimapur, from October 8 to 14 focusing on community healthcare, maternal and newborn care, disease prevention and health service delivery.According to a press release from the CMO’s Office, the programme began with an orientation on the National Health Mission (NHM) and the functioning of health facilities under it.The training adopted a practical, participatory approach, combining theoretical instruction with demonstrations and hands-on exercises to equip the trainees with essential skills for their roles as community health workers.ASHA trainees learning about Janani Suraksha Yojana incentives through information, education and communication materials during the induction training programme held the CMO’s Office, Dimapur from October 8 to 14. ((Photo Courtesy:  CMO Dimapur) Key areas covered included the roles, responsibilities and values of ASHAs; community health and hygiene; health rights; violence against women; and support for vulnerable populations. Sessions also focused on maternal and newborn care, including antenatal care, pregnancy diagnosis, anaemia management, birth preparedness, postnatal care, home-based newborn care, breastfeeding and the identification of danger signs in mothers and infants.The trainees were also oriented on malnutrition assessment, growth monitoring, immunisation, diarrhoea and oral rehydration solution (ORS) management, acute respiratory infections, fever management, wound and burn care, and animal bites. Other topics included communicable and non-communicable diseases, adolescent health, menstrual hygiene, family planning, safe abortion, and the prevention of reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections.ASHA trainees demonstrating oral rehydration solution (ORS) preparation as part of practical training on diarrhoea management during the induction training programme held the CMO’s Office, Dimapur from October 8 to 14. ((Photo Courtesy:  CMO Dimapur) The programme further covered national health programmes and ASHA incentives, Village Health Committees, Mahila Arogya Samitis, malaria rapid diagnostic testing, government entitlements and the expanded package of services, including elderly care, palliative care, eye and oral healthcare, ear, nose and throat care, mental health, substance use and emergency services.The trainees also received orientation on the new Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, ASHA records and reporting procedures. The programme concluded with a recap and post-training assessment, during which participants demonstrated the skills acquired.The training was facilitated by resource persons Imlilemla DCM, Tirang BAC, Orensali BAC and Toshikala CHO.