Lam Dong CDC Launches the First Training Course for Communal Health Workers under the EM-THRIVE Project

From 28 to 30 October 2025, the Lam Dong Provincial Centre for Disease Control (CDC), in collaboration with the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), organized the first training course for Communal Health Workers (CHWs) at the Bac Binh Communal Health Center (CHC).

This activity is part of the EM-THRIVE Project – Enabling Mountainous and Rural Children From Five Provinces in Vietnam to Grow and Thrive, which aims to strengthen the capacity of health workers to support parents in caring for, nurturing, and interacting with their children during the first 2,000 days of life.

Active Participation Despite Weather Challenges

The training brought together 36 participants from 18 Commune Health Stations (CHSs) across the Bac Binh area, including deputy heads of stations and staff in charge of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Reproductive Health (RH), Nutrition, and other community health activities.

The course was delivered by Dr. Che Ngoc Thach, Deputy Head of the Department of Communicable Diseases, Parasites, and Vectors, and Ms. Ngo Thi Nguyet, Reproductive Health Division, Lam Dong CDC — with technical supervision and support from RTCCD.

Despite heavy rains and flooding caused by water discharge from three reservoirs, CHWs from seven affected communes made great efforts to reach the training venue on time, attending all sessions with commitment and enthusiasm.

Hands-on Training and Peer Learning

Throughout the three-day course, participants enhanced their knowledge on child care and early childhood development (ECD), practiced organizing parenting guidance sessions integrated into immunization days, exchanged field experiences, and received technical feedback from trainers and peers to improve their facilitation skills.

The course was highly valued for its practical content and interactive approach, helping CHWs become more confident when counseling parents in their communities.

Ms. Dang Thi Bich Hang – Luong Son CHS:
“Playing and interacting with children aged 0–5 is essential for cognitive development. Before, many of us and parents just followed habits or others’ examples. Thanks to this training, I now understand how crucial play and communication are during the first 2,000 days — something simple but profoundly meaningful for a child’s brain development.”

Ms. Tran Thi Thuy Tho – Hai Ninh CHS:
“What impressed me most was the lesson on the role and responsibility of parents during the first 2,000 days. This period is key for both physical and brain development. The first-aid lessons were also very useful.”

Ms. Tran Thi Me Linh – Bac Binh CHS (Phan Ri Thanh site):
“I was excited to learn many new things, especially about first aid for children aged 0–5. These skills are essential for CHWs who work directly with families. The course also helps parents better understand their role in supporting children’s development. I hope more CHWs can join future training sessions.”

Ms. Leng Thi Phan – Binh An CHS:
“I’m very satisfied with the course content. The knowledge is easy to apply when guiding grandparents and parents to care for and nurture their children better.”

Practical Parenting Toolkits Provided

Each Commune Health Station received a Parenting Practice Toolkit including a Health Worker Handbook, instructional videos, boy and girl dolls, storybooks, and developmental toys.
These materials help make parenting sessions more engaging, easy to understand, and applicable for caregivers at home.

Integrating Parenting Guidance into Routine Health Services

Dr. Che Ngoc Thach emphasized the importance of integrating ECD counseling into routine primary health services:

“Integrating parenting guidance into immunization sessions is convenient for families and enables health workers to play a proactive role in accompanying parents to nurture and support children’s development right from the community level.”

In the coming months, RTCCD will continue to collaborate with the Lam Dong CDC to expand training courses, further strengthening the grassroots health system and promoting early childhood development across local communities.