Malabo & Bata, Equatorial Guinea, December 2024 – Recognizing the vital role of community health workers in promoting health and well-being, UNFPA Equatorial Guinea recently conducted a capacity-building workshop for 100 community workers from the Ministry of Information (50 in Malabo y 50 in Bata). This initiative, part of the ongoing Information Education and Communication IEC-Advocacy program, aims to strengthen community voices and ensure that essential health information reaches even the most remote areas of the country.

These dedicated individuals are at the forefront of disseminating information and services related to:

• Reproductive health: Family planning, maternal health, safe motherhood.
• Disease prevention: HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
• Gender-based violence prevention: Raising awareness, providing support, and promoting community-led initiatives.

By enhancing their knowledge and skills, UNFPA is empowering these community health workers to effectively communicate critical information and promote positive behavior change within their communities. This workshop underscored UNFPA's commitment to:

• Community health: Recognizing the power of community-led initiatives in driving positive change and fostering ownership of health programs.
• Capacity building: Equipping individuals with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources to make a tangible difference in their communities.
• Leaving no one behind: Ensuring that all communities, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, have access to essential health information and services.

The workshop, held in both Malabo and Bata, provided a platform for interactive learning and knowledge sharing. Participants engaged in discussions on key health topics, learned new communication strategies, and received updated information and resources.

In his address, his Excellency the State Minister of Communication, Press and Culture, expressed deep gratitude for the continued partnership with UNFPA, highlighting the instrumental role the organization has played in supporting the IEC-Advocacy program since its inception in 1994.  He emphasized that this collaboration has been vital in ensuring the program's sustainability and reach, enabling it to effectively disseminate crucial messages on a range of critical health issues. The Minister also recalled the origins of the IEC project, born from a shared vision with UNFPA to inform, educate, and communicate with the population on key population issues.  This, he noted, has been instrumental in promoting positive behavioral change and advocating for policies and legislation that promote the well-being of the Equatoguinean people.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Hind Jalal, the UNFPA Representative expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Press and Culture for their longstanding partnership and commitment to the IEC-Advocacy program. She highlighted the program's evolution since its inception in 1994, noting key milestones such as the development of the "National Communication for Development Program" in 2011 and the training of district agents in 2012. This renewed commitment to the IEC-Advocacy program, reflected in the 2024-2028 country program, emphasizes UNFPA's dedication to strengthening community health systems and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health information and services.

Join UNFPA in celebrating the dedication and impact of community health workers in Equatorial Guinea! By investing in their capacity, we are investing in the health and well-being of communities nationwide.

Photo credit: Flora Obama-His Excellency the Minister of Communication and UNFPA Representative in Equatorial Guinea.