As part of the EM-THRIVE Project [1], which aims to strengthen the capacity of Communal Health Workers (CHWs) in maternal and child health care, the Can Tho Centre for Disease Control (CDC) organized its second training course from 11–13 November 2025 at the Thoi Lai Regional Medical Center.
The course welcomed 45 participants, including doctors, master’s degree holders, physician assistants, public health graduates, and nurses from 14 Communal Health Centers and Commune Health Stations in the area. All participants are frontline staff directly involved in reproductive health care, child health services, and health education at the community level.
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Opening Ceremony
The opening session was attended by leaders of the Thoi Lai Regional Medical Center, including Dr. Dinh Xuan Hai – Director, and Dr. Le Minh Hong – Deputy Head of Planning and Professional Affairs, along with representatives from specialized departments of the Can Tho CDC.
Notably, Can Tho Television was present to film and broadcast the event, demonstrating strong local interest in efforts to promote early childhood development during the first 2,000 days of life.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Tran Thi Thu Hong – Head of the Reproductive Health Department, Can Tho CDC, emphasized:
“This training program is designed to strengthen practical skills, helping health workers not only remember key knowledge but also confidently guide parents in the community on proper child care, nurturing, and early development.”
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Three Days of Comprehensive and Practical Learning
Throughout the three-day course, participants received instruction and hands-on practice in key topics, including:
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Prenatal education
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Essential newborn and maternal care
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Proper and safe nutrition
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Early childhood education for children aged 0–5
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Child safety for healthy growth
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Positive communication with children
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Organizing parenting practice sessions aligned with early childhood development principles
The training atmosphere was dynamic and engaging, with participants actively discussing, sharing real-world experiences, and joining group activities and role-play exercises. Many participants shared that the training was highly practical, easy to apply in their daily work, and improved their confidence when counseling families on care during the first 2,000 days of life.
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Successful Completion
At the end of the course, 100% of participants successfully passed the final assessment, with an overall achievement rate of over 80%. The training not only strengthened professional skills and knowledge but also created opportunities for networking and experience-sharing among CHWs across communes and wards.
The second training course in Thoi Lai concluded successfully, making a significant contribution to the EM-THRIVE Project’s goal of improving maternal and child health care capacity and promoting a healthier, better-developed generation of children in Can Tho City.
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