An orientation workshop has been organised for eighteen Religious Sisters (Master Trainers) and twelve Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) on identification of health and nutrition problems and delayed developmental milestones in children, referral pathways and relationship management, among others.
The orientation which is part of the implementation activities of a project dubbed: “Strengthening the Capacity of Women Religious in Early Childhood Development (The SCORE ECD) was held from November 23 to 25, 2022 at the Global Dream Hotel in Tamale.
The Project is being implemented by seven Religious Congregations in ten Districts (towns) in the Yendi, Navrongo-Bolgatanga and Damongo Dioceses and is funded by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a Philanthropic Trust based in the United States of America in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ghana and implemented under the supervision of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in Ghana (CMSR-G).
Its goal is to ensure that children between the ages of 0-3 years in the targeted areas live in a nurturing environment by the end of 2024.
The beneficiary Districts (towns) are: Damongo, Walewale, Saboba, Tatale, Chereponi, Tuna, Chamba, Tinga, Kongo and Fumbisi while the implementing Congregations comprise of Sisters of Mary Immaculate, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy, Sisters of Charity of St. Anne, Sisters of Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ and Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters.
Mr. Benedict Ofori Appiah, a Public Health Officer at the Northern Regional Health Directorate took participants through identification of maternal and childhood illness and referrals from the CHPS compound at the community level through to Sub District, District, Regional and finally to the Teaching Hospitals. He said pregnancy and childbirth-related complications are the leading cause of disability and death among women of reproductive age in developing countries.
He enumerated conditions in children which require referral. They included a child who is lethargic or unconscious, with yellowish skins and eyes, having difficulty in breathing, having severe pneumonia, who is not able to drink or breastfeed, who vomits everything he or she eats, has had more than one convulsion or prolonged convulsions, or is convulsing, suffering from anaemia, malnutrition (over and under nutrition) and severe or some dehydration.
Madam Rolanda Apaabe, a Lecturer at the Basic Education Studies Department, Faculty of Education, University for Development Studies, facilitated the topic, “Identifying developmental delays in children”.
She stated that developmental milestones which are physical or behavioral signs of development of infants and children such as rolling over, crawling, walking and talking, provide important information regarding their early development.
She said an infant (birth to 1 year) should be able to babble, display social smile, be able to drink from a cup, sit alone, get first tooth, play, put him/her self in standing position, roll over, say “mama” and “dada” appropriately, walk while holding on to some type of support.
According to her, a toddler (1 to 3 years) should be able to feed themselves, draw a line, run and walk backwards, say first and last name, walk up and down stairs, ride tricycle, name pictures of common objects and point to body parts, dress on their own, imitate speech, share toys, know difference between male and female, use words, and masters walking.
She explained that the causes for delays in developmental milestones in children are due to genetic or hereditary conditions such as downs syndrome which occurs before the child is born, metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and exposure to certain toxic substances like prenatal alcohol exposure or lead poisoning, during the process of child birth as well as some infections and deprivation of food or environmental factors after birth.
She advised participants to consult a child’s pediatrician if they notice signs of developmental delays who may recommend a developmental evaluation which would involve a Child Psychologist, Developmental Pediatrician, Neurologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical Therapist, among other specialists.
She stressed that detecting developmental delay offers the child a better chance of fulfilling their potential and noted that parents, nurses, teachers who see children daily or regularly encounter them are better placed to spot the “abnormal” and should not be afraid to raise concerns.
She debunked the notion that children with developmental delays are cursed, witches or possessed by some spirits, insisting that they only need the appropriate support and environment to reach their full potentials.
Sr. Juliana Lamisi Akayeti, SMI, the SCORE-ECD III Manager who addressed participants on managing partnership, underscored the need for effective communication with their clients and stakeholders.
She likened a mutually beneficial partnership to a happy marriage and said like a successful marriage, it fosters communication and trust, hence it achieves greater business impact. She however cautioned that strategic partnerships would not come on a silver platter. She, therefore, urged participants to work proactively to create and sustain them.
Some of the participants spoke to Newswatchgh.com about their impressions of the workshop and how they would apply the knowledge acquired to benefit their people in their communities.
Sr. Blandina Domanzing, SMI, from Chereponi said the childhood development topic was very useful especially for children from 0-3 years as it will help in early detection and treatment of conditions and ailments to avoid future complications.
She said mothers are also to examine their babies physically and psychologically by looking out for visible signs such as their babies’ ability to see when they move the hands around the face or hear when they clap their hands, etc.
Mr. Prosper An-Gaangmene from Tuna, said the partnership and communication skills acquired would help him build better relationships with their stakeholders such as Assembly persons and Chiefs. “As we will be dealing with expectant and lactating mothers, it will be helpful”, he said.
Mr. Frederick Nyefiin from Saboba, described the workshop as “an eye opener”. He said it has better equipped him to render service to clients especially women and their children and other stakeholders. “As a CHV, I am now better placed to support my Master Trainer in assisting mothers in the nurturing process of their babies”, he stated.
Sr. Theodora Adzayawo, SMMC, Executive Secretary of CMSR-G and Madam Caroline Dery, SCORE-ECD III Manager at CRS, were present at the workshop. Also present was Madam Safiatu Abukakr Bibilazu of CRS who took participants through filling of data forms.
By Francis Monnie//newswatchgh.com
