A critical warning has been issued to Health Center In-Charges regarding the misuse of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) following the graduation of 210 new workers at Riverside Hotel yesterday. Dr. Richard Kabanda, Commissioner for Health Promotion, Education, and Communication, emphasized that CHEWs must not be employed as clinical health staff.
During the pass-out ceremony, Dr. Kabanda highlighted the importance of adhering to the established guidelines that dictate the role of CHEWs. He reiterated that these workers should spend 80% of their time within communities and only 20% at health facilities. This structure is designed to ensure that CHEWs fulfill their primary responsibilities, which include connecting residents to healthcare services and educating the public on important health issues.
“This warning comes in light of previous instances where some districts faced shortages of clinical staff and inappropriately engaged CHEWs in clinical roles,” Dr. Kabanda stated. He stressed that CHEWs are vital for promoting health education and improving access to healthcare, particularly in regions like Rukungiri where distances to health facilities are significant.
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Dr. Ahabwe Davis, Principal Medical Officer, echoed the commissioner’s message, affirming that CHEWs are trained to focus on disease prevention and health management rather than providing clinical treatment. He expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative, pointing out that leveraging CHEWs can significantly reduce overcrowding at health facilities.
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Kyasimire Annita and Henry Nuwamanya, newly trained CHEWs from Rwakirungura Parish, Buyanja Sub County committed to executing their duties effectively. They emphasized their roles in educating community members on health, sanitation, and nutrition, particularly for expectant mothers and young children among others.
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Agaba Hiraly, Deputy CAO of Rukungiri District, reinforced the importance of the CHEWs in line with the PDM Program’s fourth social services pillar. He affirmed the district’s commitment to supporting CHEWs as they bring essential health services closer to communities.
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With this warning in place, Rukungiri District aims to ensure that the vital services offered by CHEWs are used effectively to improve public health outcomes and reinforce community resilience.
