The Oyo State Government, through the Primary Health Care Board, has organised a six-day intensive training programme on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) for Officers on Operational Level drawn from the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
The training, which forms part of efforts to strengthen child healthcare delivery and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality across Oyo State, brought together health officers responsible for coordinating child health interventions at the grassroots level.
The focus of the training is to enhance participants’ technical competence in the prevention, identification and management of common childhood illnesses including malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and vaccine-preventable diseases.
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.
He disclosed that the administration of Governor Seyi 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 well-being of mothers and children.
Olatunji said the state government recognises the importance of skilled healthcare workers in achieving sustainable healthcare delivery at the community level, urging participants to maximally utilise the knowledge acquired during the training in their respective Local Government Areas.
He emphasised 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.
Olatunji stated that “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.”
The lead facilitators including Dr Rasheed Adepoju, Dr Taiwo Kolawole, Dr Olajumoke Aiyeku, Dr Zainab Hamzat, Mrs Atolagbe and Mr Samuel Olarinde, commended the Oyo State Government and the Board for prioritising 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, emphasised 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.
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.
