CAN THO CITY MOBILIZES THE ENTIRE HEALTH SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT CAREGIVER SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM

On March 26, 2026, the Can Tho City Center for Disease Control (CDC) organized a Quarter 1 review meeting on the implementation of the program “Promoting holistic early childhood development through positive parenting interventions” (EM-THRIVE) in Can Tho City.

This was the first regular coordination meeting with the participation of the Department of Health (DoH), CDC, regional health centers, and all frontline health facilities directly implementing positive parenting guidance integrated into immunization sessions at Commune Health Stations (CHSs) and thematic sessions at hospitals. The meeting aimed to share implementation results, highlight strengths, and identify areas for improvement following 24 supportive supervision visits conducted by RTCCD and the CDC in early February and March 2026.

On behalf of the supervision team, RTCCD presented key findings, strengths, and areas for further improvement. As of March 26, 2026, 34 out of 80 immunization sites across the city had initiated implementation. The remaining sites had not yet started due to relocation, infrastructure construction/renovation, and space constraints at CHSs.

The Department of Health and the Can Tho CDC commended health facilities for successfully initiating program implementation shortly after the training. Despite challenges following administrative restructuring, CHSs have shown strong commitment, actively supporting caregivers to access online learning materials via QR codes. In addition to commune-level implementation, four hospitals have integrated the program into routine activities, notably the Can Tho Obstetrics Hospital.

Dr. Le Hong Thuy, MD, Specialist Level I – Deputy Head of the Department of Medical Affairs, DoH, shared:
“As a focal point following the program since its inception, the Department of Health highly appreciates the program’s approach. EM-THRIVE has equipped health workers with essential knowledge and communication skills for primary health care at the commune level, contributing to holistic child development during the first 2,000 days of life. We recognize the efforts of CHSs in overcoming challenges to implement a program that benefits children in Can Tho City. The DoH looks forward to continued technical support from RTCCD and the potential expansion of the target age group up to 3,000 days.”

Dr. Tran Thi Thu Hong, MD, Specialist Level I – Head of the Reproductive Health Department, CDC, emphasized that supervisors and trainers will continue providing technical support to commune-level facilities. The CDC will also regularly report implementation progress to the DoH and commune/ward People’s Committees, with the goal of sustainably integrating program activities into routine health system operations. Basic equipment such as televisions, projectors, and speakers should be provided by local authorities to ensure effective communication and delivery of short expert-developed videos for caregiver education at CHSs.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, MSc, added that while awaiting equipment support, CHSs should proactively arrange available devices to maintain ongoing activities.

At the close of the meeting, CHSs expressed their desire to continue receiving technical and financial support from the health sector, RTCCD, and local People’s Committees to sustain and expand program implementation.