By Wilson J Hormeguera

Barangay leaders from Oroquieta City and the Governance and Leadership Institute (GLI) of Xavier University, in partnership with the Oroquieta City Health Office (OCHO), tackled community health issues during a barangay health leadership and management training last month.

The training covered the analysis of health issues, particularly on infant and maternal deaths, the role of health volunteers in addressing health issues of the community and the dynamics of the local health system, among others.

To address health inequities, the group highlighted the importance of conducting regular evaluation and identifying the causes and implications of deaths using the Three Delays Mode model (delay in decision to seek help, delay in reaching care, and delay in receiving adequate health care).

The participants also embarked on identifying the elements of an effective communication plan, enumerating the characteristics of quality information and presenting their Barangay Health Action Plan (BHAP) to the community members.

“This health leadership training has awakened our barangay officials of their crucial role in sustaining a healthy community,” remarked Dr Clemente Almonte of OCHO.

The training formed part of the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP), a joint health leadership training program of the Department of Health - Regional Office X, Zuellig Family Foundation and XU, which aims to improve health outcomes through an empowering leadership and governance, enhanced local health systems, active community participation and effective delivery of basic services at the local level.