Strengthening Lady Health Visitors and Midwives for Sindh, Pakistan for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Prevention and Management with Refresh Essential Skills

They were addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs) like Pakistan. A proactive initiative undertaken by a Primary Health Service (PHS) in collaboration with a Private School of Nursing and Midwifery in Karachi conducted a 14-week project. 28 LHVs and Midwives (MWs) working in the community of PHS in various parts of Sindh, Pakistan were equipped with some common NCD prevention and management through online sessions and in-person refresher essential skills. The project aimed to equip them with the knowledge of early identification and management of some common NCDs and freshen some skills to promptly recognize and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the communities. The program included online sessions, hands-on simulation, and clinical exposure in a tertiary care hospital. Through a questionnaire, the participants gain knowledge regarding some common NCDs online sessions. With that, they feel confident after refreshing their skills in a simulation environment and clinical exposure. A participant’s feedback was that this type of session should planned once or twice a year. Nonetheless, this is one of the initiatives that can enhance the capabilities of LHVs and midwives in aligning with global efforts to combat the growing burden of NCDs and may improve community health outcomes.