(Kakata, Margibi County, March 19, 2026) — The Ministry of Health (MOH) recently concluded a two-day intensive capacity-building workshop to strengthen environmental cleaning, mail handling, and maintenance services across its operational units.

The workshop was held in Kakata, Margibi County, bringing together over 50 staff members from the Housekeeping, Mail, and Maintenance Units. The training focused on improving workplace efficiency, promoting hygiene standards, and enhancing service delivery within the Ministry.

For the Housekeeping Unit, which comprised 30 participants, the training centered on strengthening environmental cleaning practices. Key objectives included improving cleaning skills, understanding the appropriate use of cleaning materials in various settings such as offices, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, and adopting proper waste management techniques.

Participants were also trained in the handling and disposal of trash, with emphasis on maintaining a safe and hygienic environment within government facilities.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Housekeeping Unit, Director Sao Marshall expressed appreciation to the Ministry’s leadership for the initiative.

She described the training as a historic opportunity for cleaners who rarely benefit from professional development programs.

“I just want to thank all of our bosses, especially our proper Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto and Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris, for organizing this workshop,” Madam Marshall said. “This is the first of its kind for housekeepers. We are always in the buildings working and hardly have time for training, so we truly appreciate this opportunity. We hope this will not be the last, as it will help us perform our duties properly and manage waste effectively.”

Meanwhile, eight staff members from the Mail Unit, led by Director Benjamin C. Kanboh, also participated in the workshop, gaining valuable insights into modern mail handling procedures and communication management.

Director Kanboh described the training as a milestone for the unit, noting that it was the first time such an opportunity had been extended to mail personnel.

“This workshop is the first of its kind, and we appreciate the Minister of Health and her deputies for this opportunity,” he said. “We learned essential procedures, including how to receive and dispatch communications effectively, interact with clients according to standard operating procedures, and establish clear guidelines for handling correspondence.”

He further noted that participants were trained in tracking and accountability measures, including logging all incoming and outgoing mails to ensure proper monitoring and delivery. Emphasis was also placed on hygiene practices, particularly regular handwashing after handling mail or using restroom facilities.

According to Kanboh, the Mail Unit plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth flow of communication within the Ministry, providing guidance to departments for accurate and timely delivery of official correspondence.

Additionally, the Maintenance Unit, represented by 19 employees under the leadership of Director Emmanuel M. Foka, received training focused on improving service delivery and operational effectiveness.

Director Foka described the workshop as a long-overdue initiative that has significantly enhanced the unit’s understanding of its responsibilities.

“This capacity-building workshop is the first of its kind since we were employed with the Ministry of Health,” Foka noted. “We are grateful to the Minister and her team for organizing this training, which has strengthened our knowledge of our duties and responsibilities.”

He explained that the training covered the proper use of tools, effective collaboration with colleagues, and strategies for delivering quality maintenance services.

“The purpose of this workshop is to add value to the work we do and to remind us how important our role is within the Ministry,” he added.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris underscored the importance of the three units in maintaining a functional and professional work environment.

“On behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Health, I am pleased to welcome you all to this capacity-building workshop organized for our hardworking Housekeeping, Mail, and Maintenance Units,” she said.

Madam Morris emphasized that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening all departments, regardless of size or function.

“The work you do daily plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy, safe, and professional working environment,” she stated. “The cleanliness and order you maintain in our offices, restrooms, and surroundings contribute significantly to the productivity, health, and comfort of staff and visitors alike.”

She encouraged participants to actively engage in the training sessions and apply the knowledge gained to improve their performance.

“This workshop is intended to enhance your skills, reinforce best practices, and provide an opportunity for professional development. I urge you to take full advantage of this opportunity,” she added.

The two-day engagement concluded with participants expressing renewed commitment to applying improved standards in their respective roles, signaling a step forward in the Ministry’s effort to build a more efficient and responsive health sector workforce.