Community Health Extension Worker Salary In Nigeria ([month],[year])

Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) are crucial players in the Nigerian healthcare system. They provide essential health services to communities, including health education, immunizations, and family planning.

However, one question that is often asked is: what is the average salary of a Community Health Extension Worker in Nigeria? In this blog post, we will explore this question and provide some insights into the factors that can impact their salaries.

Who Are Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs)?

Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) are trained health professionals who work at the community level to provide essential health services to communities. They are trained to provide primary healthcare services such as health education, maternal and child health services, family planning, and immunizations.

They also support the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and refer patients to higher levels of care when necessary.

CHEWs play a vital role in the Nigerian healthcare system, especially in rural areas, where access to healthcare services is limited. They work in primary healthcare centers, community health posts, and mobile clinics, providing care to people in their communities.

Job Responsibilities Of CHEWs In Nigeria

The job responsibilities of CHEWs in Nigeria vary depending on the setting and the needs of the community they serve. Some of the common responsibilities include:

• Conducting health education and health promotion activities
• Providing maternal and child health services such as antenatal care, delivery assistance, and postnatal care
• Providing family planning services and counseling
• Providing immunization services
• Providing basic diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory infections
• Referring patients to higher levels of care when necessary

Average Salary Of A CHEW In Nigeria

The average salary of a Community Health Extension Worker in Nigeria varies depending on various factors such as experience, level of education, and the employer. According to Salary Explorer, the average salary of a CHEW in Nigeria is around ₦96,000 per month.

Factors That Can Impact The Salary Of A CHEW

Several factors can impact the salary of a CHEW in Nigeria. These factors include:

1. Years of experience: The more years of experience a CHEW has, the higher their salary is likely to be.
2. Level of education: CHEWs with higher levels of education such as a degree in Community Health or Nursing may earn a higher salary than those with just a diploma or certificate.
3. Employer: The salary of a CHEW may vary depending on the employer. For instance, CHEWs employed by the government may earn a higher salary than those employed by private organizations.
4. Location: The location of the primary healthcare center or community health post where a CHEW works may also impact their salary. CHEWs working in urban areas may earn more than those working in rural areas.

Opportunities For Career Growth For CHEWs In Nigeria

CHEWs in Nigeria have several opportunities for career growth. With additional education and training, they can advance their careers and take on more specialized roles. Some of the opportunities for career growth for CHEWs in Nigeria include:

1. Community Health Officers: CHEWs can advance their careers by completing a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health. With this additional education, they can become Community Health Officers, who are responsible for managing primary healthcare centers and supervising other health workers.
2. Public Health Nurses: CHEWs can also become Public Health Nurses by completing a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree. Public Health Nurses work in community health settings, providing care and support to individuals and families to promote health and prevent disease.
3. Midwives: CHEWs with additional training can also become midwives, who are responsible for providing antenatal and postnatal care, assisting with childbirth, and providing care to newborns and their mothers.
4. Health Educators: CHEWs with a background in health education can become Health Educators, who are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs in communities.

Related: Cardiologist Salary In Nigeria

Conclusion

In conclusion, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) play a critical role in the Nigerian healthcare system, providing essential health services to communities at the grassroots level.

While the average salary of a CHEW in Nigeria is around ₦96,000 per month, several factors can impact their salary, including years of experience, level of education, employer, and location.

CHEWs in Nigeria also have several opportunities for career growth, with additional education and training, including becoming Community Health Officers, Public Health Nurses, Midwives, or Health Educators.