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The government has launched a phased recruitment process to enlist 21,190 community health extension workers across 10,595 parishes to enhance healthcare accessibility at the grassroots level.
Dr. Ronald Miria Ocaatre, Assistant Commissioner of Health Promotion and Strategic Health Communication at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the objective of extending healthcare services directly to households through this initiative.
The genesis of this program traces back to 2001 when the government initiated Village Health Teams (VHTs), assigning selected individuals at the village level to support health promotion efforts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of bicycles to VHTs and other resource persons in the Busoga sub-region, Dr. Ocaatre disclosed plans to recruit two individuals as health extension workers for each parish.
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“We’ve already recruited health extension workers in three districts, including Lira district, Lira city, and Mayuge district. Recruitment efforts are underway in eight additional districts,” he elaborated.
Dr. Ocaatre clarified that health extension workers would receive a monthly facilitation of 150,000 shillings, emphasizing that it is not a salary but a form of support.
Regarding qualifications, he specified that applicants must possess a minimum of an ordinary level certificate and be aged between 18 and 35 years. Moreover, applicants must hail from the parish they intend to serve and be endorsed by local residents.
The government aims to equip these workers with necessary knowledge through training, enabling them to collaborate with existing healthcare facilities, community leaders, and the general populace to promote health and development at the grassroots level.
Dr. Ocaatre highlighted key issues health extension workers are expected to address, including low immunization coverage, maternal health, nutrition, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and the prevention of diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, and gender-based violence.
To address mobility challenges faced by VHTs, particularly in rural areas, development partners have stepped in to provide support. Amref Health Africa Uganda and World Bicycle Relief have donated 300 bicycles to facilitate the work of VHTs in the Busoga region.
These bicycles, valued at over 380 million shillings, aim to complement government efforts in bringing healthcare services closer to the people. Each bicycle, equipped with advanced features, including UV-resistant seats and serial numbers for easy tracking, is expected to enhance VHTs’ ability to reach remote areas.
Bugiri district Resident District Commissioner Paul Mwidu Kalikwani commended the initiative, emphasizing its potential to improve healthcare service delivery and disease prevention, thereby freeing up resources for socioeconomic development.
Local leaders and beneficiaries echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation and the positive impact of enhanced healthcare access on overall well-being and development.
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