National Training to Equip MCH Leaders with Self-Care Knowledge and Skills
A pivotal national orientation training program, the “RMNCAYH-N Self-Care Orientation Training,” has commenced in Central Hawassa Hotel , Hawassa town, running from August 27 to 29, 2026. This critical initiative, organized by ESOG in close collaboration with the Sidama regional Health Bureau, is designed to build the capacity of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) leaders across the region.
The training’s overall aim is to strengthen the capacity of these frontline health leaders by familiarizing them with the latest national self-care guidelines and intervention procedures. This knowledge is crucial for enhancing their competencies to effectively support and manage health providers, ultimately improving healthcare delivery and access for communities.
The training provided participants with a clear and rational understanding of RMNCAYH N self care interventions, highlighting their essential role in modern service delivery. Through an integrated narrative, the sessions introduced DMPA SC self injection as a pathway to expanding autonomy in family planning, alongside the implementation approach for abortion care that promotes safe, evidence based alternatives to end unsafe practices. Leaders also explore strategies for improving neonatal and child health and development, while gaining practical knowledge on HIV self testing and HPV self sample collection as innovative tools for prevention and early detection.
The narrative extends to nutritional assessment, equipping participants with skills to monitor and improve outcomes, and emphasizes the role of maternal and child health leaders in guiding communities toward sustainable self care management. Facilitated conversations covered the full spectrum of family planning alternatives, ensuring accessibility and informed choice for all. At the same time, the workshop has strengthened awareness of reproductive cancer risk reduction and reinforce prevention of vertical transmission of hepatitis B, syphilis, and HIV, ultimately empowering leaders to champion safer, more equitable health services.
There also have discussion and dissemination of important nutritional strategies that directly enhance favorable health outcomes for mothers, newborns, and children.
Giving MCH leaders current, evidence-based knowledge about self-care and the entire range of RMNCAYH -N services to enable them to support healthcare practitioners, lead more effectively, and ultimately guaranty better and healthier results for the mothers, kids, and families they serve.
The program represents a significant step in operationalizing national health strategies at the local level, fostering a more resilient and informed health system capable of meeting the community’s evolving needs.