The Ministry of Health in Uganda today celebrated the graduation of 210 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) at Riverside Hotel in Rukungiri Municipality.
This significant event was attended by local stakeholders, health ministers, and representatives from various health organizations. The initiative aims to improve healthcare access and enhance community health services in the region.
The program, a partnership involving the Ministry of Health, local partners, and the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) with support from the United States government. For six months, the CHEWs underwent rigorous training to enable them to address health issues effectively.
It is involves North and Southwestern Uganda in regions like the Acholi, Lango, Ankole, and Kigezi sub-regions. Their primary role will be to bridge gaps in the healthcare system by providing community-based preventive care and linking households to health facilities.
Dr. Mucunguzi Akasiima, the Rukungiri District Health Officer, emphasized the importance of the CHEWs in transforming healthcare delivery within their communities.
“We selected two representatives from each parish, ensuring balanced gender representation among the 210 CHEWs trained for six months,” he stated.
Dr. Akasiima urged the graduates to work tirelessly, as their efforts are crucial for achieving improved health outcomes in the district, despite challenges such as a lack of referral hospitals and low staff recruitment.
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Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, congratulated the CHEWs on their achievements and acknowledged the support from their families, urging them to continue providing community health improvements.
She stressed that funding has already been allocated to upgrade Health Center IVs in the region, marking a commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure.
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Several speakers at the event acknowledged the collaborative effort between the government and the U.S. in improving health services. Geoffrey Kyomukama, Chairperson of LC 5 Rukungiri District, noted the ongoing challenges with manpower in local health centers and expressed hope that the CHEWs would alleviate these issues.
Assistant RDC Kellen Kagisha echoed this sentiment, reminding the graduates that they are entrusted with resources meant to serve the community, not personal interests.
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Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Acheng lauded the graduates for their successful completion of training. She reassured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting community health initiatives.
Dr. Acheng officially flagged off the CHEWs, providing them with Certificates and essential equipment, including bicycles and medical devices, to aid their efforts in ensuring public health within Rukungiri District.
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The representatives of the United States government explained that they have signed an agreement with the Ugandan government have signed a memorandum of understanding of 5 year agreement to continue improving health department.
This graduation marks a vital step towards enhancing healthcare services, empowering communities, and fostering a healthier future for all residents of Rukungiri District.
