Introducing the Health Promotional Officer
If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding career in Ancillary Health Care Services, the Health Promotional Officer (HPO) is the perfect entry-level qualification for you.
In South Africa, the HPO profession is relatively new but holds immense significance in the healthcare sector. Its primary focus revolves around disease prevention and the enhancement of lifestyles.
What does the course entail?
The Health Promotional Officer course offers a well-rounded curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training. This QCTO accredited occupational qualification consists of 25% theoretical learning, 38% practical skills development, and 37% valuable workplace experience. At our Pretoria-based Academy, you’ll have access to an intuitive online learning platform for theoretical training. To further enhance your practical skills, you will be placed within our partner organizations.
Why should you choose this course?
The National Health Council has set forth an ambitious goal of improving health outcomes on a massive scale. To achieve this, a comprehensive restructuring of the health system is imperative.
Under the restructured health financing system, known as the National Health Insurance (NHI), the ward system has been successfully implemented in KwaZulu-Natal. Each ward will be served by one or more Primary Health Care (PHC) outreach teams. These teams will consist of a professional nurse, environmental health practitioners, health promotion practitioners, and up to five community health workers. Their collective responsibility will be to cater to a population of approximately 7,660 individuals.
The HPO qualification plays a crucial role in this strategy. By starting as HPOs and engaging in continuous education, individuals will have the opportunity to progress and become Community Health Workers. These workers will be employed by various government departments, with an estimated demand of around 70,000 individuals.
What will your duties entail?
As a Health Promotional Officer, your duties will vary and cover a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Providing fundamental nursing care
- Treating minor illnesses, injuries, and wounds, as well as referring patients to clinics
- Offering palliative care
- Conducting vital sign measurements such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
- Monitoring and addressing outbreaks of communicable diseases, providing education, and making appropriate referrals for treatment
- Conducting tests, education, and referrals for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections
- Checking the health of children and referring them for immunization
- Assessing the health of pregnant mothers, postpartum mothers, and their babies, and providing referrals for treatment
- Conducting HIV and AIDS testing and counseling
- Identifying and referring individuals struggling with drug and substance abuse to rehabilitation centers
- Educating the public about the dangers of drug and substance abuse
- Providing education on basic in-house hygiene, environmental awareness, and water sanitation
- Offering guidance on women’s, men’s, and children’s health
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through education and awareness
What lies beyond?
Upon completion of the HPO course and receiving your occupational qualification certificate, you will gain eligibility for recognition and access to various NQF Level 4 qualifications. This opens up further career opportunities for you to explore and pursue.
The Health Promotional Officer role presents a unique chance to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Join us on this exciting journey towards building a healthier future for South Africa.