The Emir of Dass, Usman Othman, has called on governments at all levels to prioritize the employment of more Community Health Workers, CHEWs to achieve Universal Health Coverage, UHC.

Speaking at the 2024 National Scientific Conference of the National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, NACHPN in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Emir, who co-chairs the Bauchi State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare, highlighted the essential role of CHEWs in delivering effective healthcare services across communities.

According to him, the CHEWs are the first line of responders in primary healthcare centres, working tirelessly before other staff join in service delivery.

The Emir called for a substantial increase in CHEWs to expand healthcare access in underserved areas, recalling how they have traditionally promoted hygiene and disease prevention in local neighbourhoods.

In his remarks, Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, who backed the Emir’s call noted that community health is a priority for everyone in Bauchi.

The Speaker pointed out that with 323 primary healthcare centres across the state, CHEWs are the main drivers of healthcare services in every community.

He reassured the audience that the Assembly would continue to support improvements in working conditions for CHEWs, urging them to stay in form on the latest advancements in healthcare to meet current needs effectively.

Emir of Dass calls for urgent recruitment of more community health workers