December 15, 2009

The PEPFAR Health Professional Fellowship Program in Nigeria is rated ‘excellent’ and exceeds all expectations at the Gombe Federal Hospital Centre

Nurse Amina Jafun was a fellow of the first PEPFAR/MSH Fellowship program in Nigeria in 2008. On her return to work, following Fellowship training, the Chief Medical Director of Gombe Federal Hospital Centre noticed a significant improvement in her capabilities and attitude, so much so that he investigated what had prompted this enhancement in her work. In 2009 he invited MSH to train his entire staff in attitudinal and culture change. This training took place in Gombe in November and focused on service and professionalism for clients. So far 111 health professionals have participated and they have created a shared vision improving service at their hospital. In a confidential survey 100% of the participants rated the training as ‘excellent’, ‘exceeding expectations’ and ‘most useful’. Ensuring good service and the methods communication with patients were among the important and useful skills being taught. On the second day of training a number of participants commented that they had already implemented skills learned on day one with very positive results. One participant said, “This training has given me guiding principles for my work that will mean better service for clients.”