Ward Health System in Nigeria: An Assessment of the Awareness and Role of Community Members

Abstract

Ward Health System is an implementation strategy of Primary Health Care in Nigeria. It was introduced in 2001 and is aimed at promoting community mobilization and participation in health care, thereby enhancing an effective, efficient and sustainable health care system. This study assessed the awareness and role of community members in the Ward Health System. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to conduct an exit poll of 240 Primary Health Care facility clients. Approximately 12%, 13% and 29% of the respondents had ever heard of the terms Ward Health System, Village Development Committee and Ward Development committee respectively, while up to 73% have no idea of the role of any of the stakeholders. Inadequate knowledge and involvement of the community members in the Ward Health System constitutes a big challenge to the effective and efficient implementation of Primary Health Care in Nigeria. Efforts towards community education on Ward Health System should be intensified.