Share
November 5, 2024
Efforts to improve Uganda’s community health services reached a milestone with a recent workshop organized under the Building Integrated Readiness for Community Health (BIRCH) Project. This project, funded by The Global Fund with technical support from Africa Frontline First (AFF) and Last Mile Health, aims to establish a framework where community health workers (CHWs) have the tools, support, and structure they need to drive real change.
The workshop organised by the Ministry of Health with support from Living Goods, brought together experts, health educators, and community leaders to redefine strategies and guidelines for Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) and Village Health Teams (VHTs), whose roles are crucial in health service delivery.
Key outcomes of this four-day workshop focused on creating strong operational guidelines and a unified vision for VHTs and CHEWs. The team identified the need for clear roles and responsibilities, a gap that has long limited the effectiveness of community health workers. “By revisiting these roles, we can ensure VHTs and CHEWs work together efficiently, reducing the strain on each individual,” noted Dr. Raymond Tweheyo, a health consultant from Makerere University’s School of Public Health and workshop facilitator. The updated guidelines are expected to standardize operations, while proper training and role clarification will streamline service delivery and ensure accountability within the program.
A new selection process for VHTs and CHEWs was also recommended to enhance trust and community support. The updated criteria now incorporate educational background, language proficiency, and community residency to ensure that health workers genuinely understand local contexts and can communicate effectively with community members. One proposed approach involves a community-driven selection process, where residents could vote for VHT representatives to cover 25–30 households, a method deemed to foster stronger ties between health workers and their communities, building trust and enhancing accountability.
Additionally, strategies to ensure sustainable motivation and support for CHEWs and VHTs were discussed. The participants proposed standardized monthly stipends, resource kits with essential commodities, and incentives recognizing outstanding contributions. Ms. Pauline Picho Kerenyai, Executive Director of Nama Women’s Community Centre, expressed her optimism: “It’s inspiring to see both VHTs and CHEWs recognized as essential to Uganda’s health system. With fair compensation and support, CHEWs, who are now paid, can share responsibilities with VHTs, making community health more manageable for both groups.”
Another success was the integration of digital health tools for data management and real-time reporting. Mobile devices and digital tools will enable CHEWs and VHTs to report tasks, track workloads, and update health data promptly. This digitalization allows supervisors to monitor activities closely, offering timely guidance and support. Lira City health educator Robert Ogwang shared, “With pilot projects already underway, CHEWs now have reporting tools linked to the national health system, which helps them stay connected and responsive to community health needs.”
Resource mobilization and partnership building also emerged as core components of the strategy, with the Ministry of Health prioritizing public-private partnerships to support operational costs and ensure sustainable funding. Collaborations with NGOs and private stakeholders will supplement technical support, commodities, and logistical assistance, addressing the long-term sustainability of VHT and CHEW programs.
As the Ministry of Health and BIRCH Project move forward with these strategies, Uganda’s community health system is set to become more resilient and sustainable, with dedicated efforts to meet evolving health needs and improve health outcomes. This workshop marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that the CHEWs and VHTs who tirelessly serve Uganda’s communities receive the structure, support, and tools they need to make a lasting impact.