By, Olawale Ogunbusola

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board organized a six-day intensive training programme on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) for Officers on Operational Level drawn from the thirty-three Local Government Areas of the State, as part of efforts to strengthen child healthcare delivery and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State.

The training, held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel, brought together health officers responsible for coordinating child health interventions at the grassroots level, with focus on enhancing participants’ technical competence in the prevention, identification and management of common childhood illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition and vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, described the training as a critical intervention aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children under five years of age in the State.

Dr. Olatunji noted that the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness strategy remains one of the most effective global approaches for addressing major causes of child mortality and ensuring holistic child survival.

According to him, the administration of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde remains committed to strengthening the primary healthcare system through regular capacity building, provision of medical infrastructure and improved healthcare policies that directly impact the wellbeing of mothers and children.

He added that the State Government recognizes the importance of skilled healthcare workers in achieving sustainable healthcare delivery at the community level, urging participants to maximally utilize the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective Local Government Areas.

Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the success of child survival programmes depends largely on the competence, dedication and responsiveness of operational health officers who serve as the bridge between healthcare policies and community implementation.

He stated, “This training is not just another routine programme; it is a deliberate investment in the future of our children and the health system of Oyo State. We expect every participant to return to their duty posts better equipped to identify, manage and refer childhood illnesses appropriately in line with global best practices.”

Also speaking at the programme, the lead facilitators including Dr. Rasheed Adepoju, Dr. Taiwo Kolawole, Dr. Olajumoke Margaret Aiyeku, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, Mrs. Atolagbe and Mr. Samuel Olaoye Olarinde, commended the Oyo State Government and the Board for prioritizing child health and continuous professional development for healthcare workers.

The facilitators noted that the IMCI strategy provides a comprehensive framework for improving case management skills, strengthening health systems and promoting key family and community health practices, adding that the training combined theoretical learning with practical demonstrations, case studies and group exercises for effective knowledge transfer.

The State Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Programme Officer, Mrs. Mosunmade Adepeju, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to standard clinical guidelines in the assessment, classification and treatment of under-five illnesses to further reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State.

She urged participants to remain committed to the principles and procedures outlined during the sessions to improve early detection, case management and referral practices.

Participants at the training appreciated the Board for the opportunity to improve their professional skills and pledged to replicate the knowledge gained at their various Local Government Areas.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services through continuous training, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in primary healthcare development.