Manual for the Training of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) Methods (IUDs and Contraceptive Implants)
Act · Health
A Manual trains Community Health Extension Workers on providing long-acting reversible contraceptive methods like implants. It targets health workers and supervisors in primary healthcare facilities. This increases access to family planning in underserved communities.
Manual for the Training of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) on Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) Methods (IUDs and Contraceptive Implants)
What Is This Policy?
A training manual that empowers Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to provide long-acting reversible contraceptives, specifically implant insertion and removal, as part of Nigeria's task-shifting approach to expand family planning access in underserved areas.
Who Does It Target?
Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) Community Health Officers Primary healthcare facility supervisors Family planning programme coordinators at the state and LGA level
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Increase access to long-acting contraceptive methods in rural and underserved communities by training lower-cadre health workers to safely provide these services under appropriate supervision.
Key Features
Implant Insertion and Removal: Step-by-step clinical procedures for single-rod implant services Client Selection: Criteria for determining which clients are eligible for LARC methods Counselling Skills: Informed choice and rights-based counselling techniques Infection Prevention: Standard precautions for safe clinical procedures Competency Evaluation: Practical assessment tools and checklists for certifying CHEWs
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active in states implementing task-shifting for family planning Coverage: Primary healthcare facilities in participating states Lead Agency: Federal Ministry of Health in partnership with NPHCDA Partners: USAID, UNFPA, Pathfinder International, Society for Family Health
How to Access
CHEWs access training through organized state-level workshops and mentorship programmes. State family planning coordinators organize training sessions CHEWs are nominated by their facility management for training Competency certification follows successful completion of practical assessments
Official Resources
Website: health.gov.ng Contact: Reproductive Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja
Legal Framework
Operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Midwives Service Scheme framework, and the National Reproductive Health Policy. Draws on WHO family planning guidelines, the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board Act, the National Population Policy, and the Reproductive Health Commodity Security Strategy.