TRAINED HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERS

PROPOSAL FOR ENGAGEMENT OF TRAINED HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERS ACROSS PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRES (PHCS) UNDER THE SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME OF ZURMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Introduction

Access to quality healthcare services at the grassroots level remains a key component of effective social protection systems. In rural communities across the Zurmi Local Government Area, Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) serve as the first and often only point of contact for essential health services. However, many PHCs are severely understaffed and under-resourced, limiting their ability to deliver timely and adequate care to vulnerable populations.

The engagement of healthcare volunteers across PHCs in Zurmi LGA presents a cost-effective and impactful approach to addressing immediate gaps in healthcare delivery while contributing to long-term social protection outcomes. 

This proposal seeks to engage healthcare volunteers to support PHCs under the Social Protection Programme of Zurmi LGA, aimed at improving service delivery, increasing community health awareness, and strengthening the overall public health system.

Rationale

Healthcare is often a core element of human welfare and social inclusion. Vulnerable households often suffer disproportionately from preventable illnesses due to a lack of access to quality healthcare. The engagement of volunteers, especially health-trained youth, can help bridge existing human resource gaps at PHCs and promote wider community participation in public health initiatives.

This initiative aligns with National and State health goals, including the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and Community Health Influencers and Promoters (CHIPs) strategy.

Objectives

• To deploy 200 trained healthcare volunteers across all wards in Zurmi LGA.

• To improve community access to basic health services, including maternal and child health, immunization, and health education.

• To promote awareness of preventive healthcare, nutrition, and hygiene.

• To enhance data collection and reporting on community health needs and service delivery.

Scope of Work for Volunteers

• Support PHC staff in patient registration, triage, and health education.

• Conduct community sensitization on hygiene, disease prevention, and immunization.

• Assist in maternal and child health monitoring, including antenatal outreach.

• Collect basic health data and contribute to monthly reporting

Selection Criteria for Volunteers

• Must be a resident within the Zurmi LGA

• Aged between 18 and 35 years (preferably youth)

• Minimum qualification: health-related training preferred

• Priority given to trained CHEWs, JCHEWs, Other Health professionals, retired health workers, and NYSC graduates

• Demonstrated interest in community health and volunteerism

Implementation Plan

Budget Estimate

Expected Outcomes

• Increased manpower support across PHCs in Zurmi LGA

• Improved outreach and health education in communities

• Enhanced access to services for pregnant women, children, and the elderly

• Stronger linkage between the community and the formal health system

• Better data for health planning and social protection targeting

 Sustainability Plan

• Capacity building for volunteers to transition into permanent health jobs.

• Community support and ownership through Ward Development Committees (WDCs)