RTCCD and Quang Ninh CDC Conduct Supportive Supervision at Commune Health Stations under the EM-THRIVE Project

Following the training course held on 17–18 September 2025 by provincial-level trainers from the Quang Ninh Provincial Centre for Disease Control (CDC), local community health workers (CHWs) quickly shared knowledge and discussed with their colleagues to plan how to integrate the new skills into routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) sessions at their commune health stations.

On 26 September 2025, several Commune Health Stations (CHSs) under Hai Ha District Health Center simultaneously organized their first training sessions on “Positive Parenting Skills” right during the immunization day. This innovative approach is expected to bring significant benefits to the community but also poses certain challenges for frontline health workers. Therefore, the supportive supervision conducted jointly by RTCCD and Quang Ninh CDC plays an important role in helping CHWs build confidence and better prepare for future implementation.

1. Supervision Activities at Hai Ha District Commune Health Stations

The supervision team, comprising representatives from RTCCD and Quang Ninh CDC, directly visited four CHSs: Quang Ha Town, Quang Minh, Quang Duc, and Quang Thanh Communes. The experts provided technical assistance on class arrangement, use of videos, dolls, and practice toolkits, and how to create interactive sessions for parents. The team also highlighted common mistakes and emphasized key messages that should be repeated multiple times to reinforce learning among parents.

Ms. Ha Thi Chuong (Hai Dong Hamlet, Quang Duc Commune) shared:
“Before, I thought raising a child only meant feeding and letting them sleep enough. After the session, I understood the importance of observing developmental milestones and communicating and playing with my child to support their growth. The lessons are very practical and easy to apply in our daily family life.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hiep, reproductive health officer at Quang Minh CHS, said:“At first, I was nervous, but thanks to the prior training and materials, the class went smoothly. Parents joined the session right after immunization, and I felt happy and motivated to continue because this program truly benefits our community and children.”

2. Reflection and Lessons Learned

After the supervision visits, the working team and CHS staff held a discussion to review strengths and challenges and agreed on necessary adjustments.

In the afternoon, RTCCD and Quang Ninh CDC met with Hai Ha District Health Center leadership to summarize and provide district-wide guidance.Dr. Nguyen Hong Uyen, Deputy Director of Hai Ha District Health Center, emphasized:
“The program brings practical benefits to children and parents. The training content is essential and easy to understand, especially on first aid and newborn care skills. This is an important task, and we will continue to guide and supervise all CHWs to ensure proper implementation.”

3. The Way Forward

Supportive supervision not only strengthens the capacity of community health workers but also ensures that parenting skill classes are delivered effectively and consistently.
In the coming months, Quang Ninh CDC will continue collaborating with RTCCD to expand training and supervision across more communes, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the EM-THRIVE Project – Enabling Mountainous and Rural Children From Five Provinces in Vietnam to Grow and Thrive, and bringing lasting benefits to children and the community.