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November 26, 2024
Just days before her fourth birthday, Hawa Akampiire fell seriously ill with a high fever, chest heaviness, and body weakness—clear signs of a potential malaria infection. Her mother, Afsa, was unsure where to turn. The nearest health facility was miles away, and Hawa’s condition was worsening rapidly. Desperate, Afsa reached out to Regina Nakibuuka, a Community Health Worker (CHW) in their neighborhood.
Regina immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. “When I saw Hawa, her health was deteriorating quickly, and she needed immediate care,” Regina recalls. Drawing on her CHW training, she diagnosed Hawa with malaria and started treatment right away.
Within three days, Hawa was back to her lively self, full of energy and excitement. Her recovery was nothing short of miraculous for Afsa, who had feared the worst. “I’m so grateful that my daughter could be treated at home,” she says. “The CHWs in our community are just like the health professionals at the health centers. They consult, refer when necessary, and help us prevent illnesses.”
Hawa’s recovery was celebrated with her friends singing a joyful birthday song as they played together in the sand. For Afsa, the experience underscored the value of having CHWs like Regina close by. “All this care would have been costly and inconvenient if I had gone to a health facility,” she explains.
Regina’s care didn’t stop at treatment. She made a follow-up visit to check on Hawa’s recovery and shared crucial tips on malaria prevention, including the use of mosquito nets and keeping the area free of bushes.
CHWs like Regina are transforming healthcare access in communities across Uganda, offering lifesaving care that’s both timely and accessible.