The Role and Challenges of Ward Development Committees in Promoting Grassroots Health Awareness in Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area to examine the potential influence of ward development committees (WDCs) in providing health service support to health services in rural and semi-rural areas. Data were generated through survey approach using questionnaire instrument. The study employed multi-stage random sampling technique in the selection of the sample. Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area was purposively selected in the first stage. In the second stage, 12 political wards were randomly selected out of 16 in the local government area. Out of the 12 randomly selected political wards, 192 respondents were interviewed; out of which 185 of respondents responded positively. A focus group discussion was conducted to complement quantitative data. Information on the activities and challenges facing WDCs in the study area were collected in addition to demographic data of the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that WDCs engaged in several activities such as promoting of immunisation programmes, environmental waste and sanitation education, health promotion and collaboration activities. Constraints hindering the work of the committees were identified and recommendations were proffered to government to provide financial support to WDC intervention programmes to facilitate the work of WDCs in the study area.