Achl Concludes Its Innovative Health Care Leadership Masterclass In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 27-29 August, 2019

ACHL has concluded its Health Care Leadership Master Class in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on the 27-29^th August 2019. The training which focussed on leadership for Universal Health Coverage drew participants from public and private sector stakeholders in the State and the Federal Capital Territory.  At the unique occasion which was first of its kind in the state, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State House Committee on Health, Hon UdemeOtongOtongat the opening ceremony commended ACHL for bringing the training to the state and expressed support for ACHL programs and activities aimed at achieving universal health coverage in the state. He advocated for a strong partnership between ACHL and the State government towards addressing the challenge of HIV/AIDS and other major health issues in the state.

Other dignitaries at the occasion included – Dr Godwin Asuquo (Executive Director ACHL), Prof Anietie Moses (Chairman ACHL), Dr Martins Akpan, the Executive Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Primary Health Care Development Agency; Dr AnyiekereEkanem-representing the Chief Medical Director, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Dr (Mrs) UwemedimbukEkanemof the University of Uyoand Dr Nestor Udoh, former Dean of Permanent Secretaries, Akwa Ibom State.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Godwin Asuquo spoke on the rationale for the training which is to develop the critical mass of health manpower with the right leadership orientation that will work for the achievement of Universal Health Coverage and the SDG goals for Nigeria.

In his keynote address Dr. Martins Akpan emphasized on the timeliness of the workshop and the need for “Universal health coverage in the state”. He expressed concern about the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state, being the highest in the country and called for collective action to stem the tide. He commended ACHL’s intervention acknowledging that this is an important step towards addressing the governance and leadership issues that will ensure that the HIV/AIDS response continues to enjoy priority attention in the State.

He expressed the need to reintroduce and sustain HIV/AIDS awareness and sensitization programs, advocacy, HIV counseling, and testing services in schools and communities with primary targets being the cyclists, students and fishermen.

He then lamented on the poor condition of primary health care centres across the state pointing out that these centres should drive community HIV preventive and support activities in the state.

Goodwill messages were received from key stakeholders who were represented at the event.

The technical sessions were facilitated by an array of renown public health experts, and other tested and excellent professionals: The highlights include the following

• NkeweuwmenEtok of the State Agency for the Control of AIDS spoke on Health Care and HIV/AIDS governance structures in Nigeria: issues and challenges and implications for leadership.
• Godwin Asuquo of ACHL led discussions on Healthcare leadership concepts, theories, principles and practices.
• Prof Anitie Moses of the University of Uyofacilttaed the session on Manager and Leadership Role: Accountability and Compliance Management by Prof Anietie Moses.
• UwemedimbukEkanem of the University of Uyo led the session on Leading and Developing Human Capacity and building teams for effective Health care programs by Dr UwemedimbukEkanem.
• Pharm IfrekeEbong, an ACHL Volunteer Program Manager led discussions on Networking and Partnership Building for NGO program Managers
• Other presentations included Human Rights and Universal Coverage of Health Services- The role of program managers and service providers by Barr Chris Inwang, Basic Financial Management and budgeting for Program Managers led by Dr. Essien Akpanuko and Strengthening communication, Advocacy role, and interpersonal relations skills of programs managers and service providers by Ms. Ifeyinwa Okereke

There were also a number of group activities to enhance skills building and as an avenue where participants worked together on the development of a plan to carry through on the recommendations from the workshop.

At a colourful closing ceremony, the participants were awarded a Certificate of Participation by the Chair of ACHL, Prof. Anietie Moses.

At the end of the workshop, the following were feedback from some appreciative participants

Diana Essien– “A big thank you to the people behind the vision. This training is worthwhile We will join hands to bring this theory to tangible reality”

UbongAbasi Victor– “thanks to ACHL team, the resource persons and facilitators. Good job done in simple ways. To all the participants, it was good relating with us all sharing knowledge and experiences with you. Hoping that we continue to collaborate and partner. Remain blessed all.”

EdidiongEtim– “I feel so fortunate to be part of this training, more knowledge I have acquired”

Eunice Egharevba– “Thumbs up to ACHL for facilitating such a top-notch capacity development training. Glad I am getting kit-up as a HIV program manager. I didn’t see the T-shirt coming, thanks and excellent culinary services plus exciting resource persons”

Roseline Bassey– “I appreciate ACHL for building our capacity. The choice of resource personnel, the conducive environment, the sitting arrangement, the meals were all wonderful. Thumbs up!”

Cbel– “I sincerely commend ACHL for this timely master class… excellent contents and very knowledgeable facilitators. It surpassed my expectations”

Glory Inyang– “Thank you ACHL for the packaging… it’s awesome to be part of the training and ultimately, no knowledge is wasted”

Victoria– “couldn’t have been anywhere else. Very enlightening

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