The training of health promotion officers in Côte d’Ivoire: Socio-anthropological issues in community interventions

Adou Serge Judicaël Ano

Abstract

Objective: The epidemiological transition remains a major challenge for public health in Côte d’Ivoire. It stems from the medicalized vision of the health system. In fact, the action plans of the various national programs are in no way officially supported by any sociological support study. The implication of such an attitude is due to sociological resistance in the acculturation process. In view of the importance of the human component, we deduce the complexity of this epidemiological monopoly in the public health approach in Côte d’Ivoire. Interventions: We propose establishment of a training system in health promotion anchored in lifestyle habits. It is a matter of guiding different social strata of population towards the adoption of behaviours in favour of a general well-being, in addition to control of their own health. It is in this context that the opening in 2014 of community health training program at Alassane Ouattara University, meets a healthy wait. This stream recruits nurses, midwives and doctors. They are trained in theory and practice from a multidisciplinary perspective in order to establish the mechanism of behavioral change in the population. Results: Health promotion officer intervention takes into account cultural markers of disease or health, its appropriation of anthropological approach with a view to reinforcing these skills in participatory and community approach. Conclusion: It is envisaged for these new graduates, the creation of a national network to maintain relations, strengthen the spirit of professional belonging and develop a framework for collaboration and exchange of experiences for improving skills.

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