The Busoga Global Engagement Program (BGEP) is an initiative by the Busoga Health Forum (BHF) designed to bring individuals from around the world to Uganda’s Busoga region for meaningful engagement. Participants – whether mid-career professionals, retirees, or adventurous travelers – are invited to explore, learn, volunteer, conduct research, or even kick-start projects in the local communities. This program is hosted and facilitated by BHF, a respected Ugandan non-profit established in 2020 to improve health and development in Busoga. During their stay, BGEP participants are attached to placements that match their interests: for example, a healthcare professional might work alongside doctors at a regional hospital, while someone passionate about education or community development might volunteer with a local school or NGO. Some participants may even enjoy homestays with Busoga families for a fully immersive cultural experience. Through these tailored attachments, visitors gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in the community, all while forging deep personal connections.

Why Busoga?

Busoga is a vibrant sub-region in Eastern Uganda, comprising several districts and a population that forms about 40% of Uganda’s eastern region. Its people – the Basoga – are known for their warmth and rich cultural heritage. The area’s hub is Jinja City, located roughly 80 km east of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria. Jinja is famous as the source of the Nile River, where the world’s longest river begins its journey north. It’s no surprise that Jinja is known as the “Adventure Capital of East Africa” for its wide range of thrilling outdoor activities, from white-water rafting to bungee jumping. By joining BGEP, participants get to discover this remarkable region in an authentic way – going far beyond typical tourism to engage with local people and projects on a daily basis.

Benefits of Joining BGEP

Participating in the Busoga Global Engagement Program is not just travel – it’s a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. Cultural immersion is at the heart of BGEP. From day one, a dedicated program coordinator will guide participants through an in-depth orientation, introducing them to Ugandan customs, basic local language (Lusoga phrases), and practical tips for living in Busoga. This support, including ongoing language help and translation as needed, ensures participants feel comfortable navigating their new environment. By living and working alongside Ugandans, BGEP visitors become more than observers – they become part of the community. Such experiences can be life-changing: “Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and immersing oneself in a different culture can lead to personal growth, enhanced cultural understanding, and a broader perspective on global issues”. In other words, BGEP not only allows you to contribute your skills to a good cause, but you’ll also learn and gain invaluable skills – cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and a new outlook on the world.

Another key benefit of BGEP is its flexibility and inclusivity. There is no specific professional field required to join; applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, so long as you bring curiosity, openness, and the ability to fund your participation.

Whether you’re a doctor, teacher, entrepreneur, artist, or simply a globetrotter seeking purpose, you can apply. In the application, you’ll indicate your areas of interest or expertise, and the program will tailor your placement accordingly. This could mean shadowing medical staff in a busy clinic, assisting in a community health outreach, working on a clean water project, or any number of opportunities. The Busoga Health Forum’s extensive network (including hospitals, community organizations, and local leaders) will ensure you’re matched with a placement that aligns with your passion. Participants report that this kind of engagement not only lets them give back but also expand their professional horizons – networking with local professionals and learning how programs are implemented on the ground in Uganda. BGEP is ideal for those who want a meaningful travel experience and are ready to invest in an opportunity that benefits both the visitor and the host community.

Cultural and Adventure Experiences in Busoga

Busowoko Falls in Jinja is one of Busoga’s scenic gems, offering breathtaking views along the Nile River. Participants can enjoy nature and even try activities like river tubing or a refreshing “waterfall massage” in these falls.

Beyond the volunteer and project work, BGEP places a special emphasis on cultural exchange and adventure. Busoga region is blessed with stunning natural beauty and a vibrant culture that participants will get to fully experience. For instance, Busowoko Falls – located near Jinja along the Nile – is celebrated as “one of the most beautiful and breath-taking waterfalls that Uganda has”, offering stunning, picturesque views along the Nile’s rapids. During the program, you’ll have the chance to visit this waterfall, where you can relax by the roaring waters or even partake in adventurous activities like white-water tubing. The surrounding communities are predominantly Basoga people who will welcome you with open arms. You’ll witness and join in traditional dances and songs, and perhaps learn their cultural significance. The Basoga take pride in their heritage – from music and dance to cuisine. As a BGEP participant, you might find yourself learning to cook a local meal or sampling the famous Ugandan “rolex” (a delicious rolled chapati with eggs) from a street vendor. These immersive moments allow you to “learn the day-to-day ways of life of the Basoga people” and gain a genuine appreciation of their rich culture. It’s not a packaged cultural show for tourists – it’s the real thing, experienced alongside new friends.

Murchison Falls, located in Uganda’s largest national park, is often called the world’s most powerful waterfall. The Nile explodes through a narrow gorge here with such force that the ground trembles.

The adventure component of BGEP is equally impressive. A highlight for many participants is the 3-day safari to Murchison Falls National Park, offered as part of the program’s excursion options. Murchison Falls NP is Uganda’s largest and most famous national park – a true African wilderness experience. Here, the mighty Nile River bursts through a seven-meter-wide gorge at Murchison Falls, creating what has been described as the “most powerful waterfall in the world, which roars with such intensity that the ground trembles around it”.

On safari, you’ll embark on game drives across savannahs teeming with wildlife. It’s common to spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and even lions and leopards if you’re lucky. A boat cruise on the Nile in the park lets you glide past pods of hippos and crocodiles basking on the banks.

Every evening, you’ll relax at comfortable lodges/campsites, swapping stories under the vast African sky. This three-day adventure (available at an additional cost) is truly unforgettable and often cited by past participants as a highlight of their Uganda stay.

Back in Jinja, the program also includes a relaxing boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria’s waters start flowing north. This excursion, typically a half-day trip, not only takes you to the exact spot made famous by explorer John Hanning Speke, but also offers wonderful scenery – think lush riverbanks, tropical birds, and maybe a glimpse of monkeys in the trees. All these activities are accessible in the area (Jinja “offers a wide range of thrilling activities, including white-water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, horseback riding, quad biking, and boat cruises”), and the BGEP coordinator can help arrange any outings you’re interested in. In the evenings, you might explore Jinja’s craft markets for souvenirs or enjoy the town’s mix of restaurants (ranging from local Ugandan dishes to international cuisines). By the end of your stay, you will have truly experienced the best of Busoga – from its friendly people and cultural treasures to its natural wonders and adventure opportunities.

Program Costs and Logistics

One of the defining features of BGEP is that it is tailored to individuals who are able to fund their own experience – this ensures the program can provide high-quality support and experiences without compromising on comfort or safety. We recommend a minimum stay of 10 days to fully immerse yourself and get the most out of the program (many participants stay 2–4 weeks). There are no fixed start dates or application deadlines at this time; instead, the program offers rolling admission and can work with your schedule for a mutually convenient start date. Below is a breakdown of the key program costs and other estimated expenses:

Notes: The Program Hosting Contribution is a one-time fee that supports your host organizations and the program facilitation. This contribution goes towards coordinating your placement (matching you with a hospital, NGO, or community project), as well as providing you with an on-ground support team (the BGEP coordinator and staff) throughout your stay. In many ways, it’s also a charitable contribution to the Busoga Health Forum’s ongoing community initiatives. Accommodation is calculated per day and includes a clean, safe place to stay and daily breakfast (for example, a room in a vetted guesthouse or a homestay with a trusted family). Meals are budgeted at approximate local costs; you may choose to dine out at various restaurants or have your host family/guesthouse provide meals – either way, $10 per meal is a comfortable estimate for a hearty lunch or dinner in Uganda. The program can accommodate dietary preferences and will guide you to safe and delicious food options.

The excursions (Murchison safari and Nile cruise) are optional but highly recommended opportunities that BGEP can organize for you. Their costs are listed separately so you can decide based on your budget and interest. Internal transportation in Uganda, such as the airport transfer, is not included in the base contribution but BHF will happily arrange a reliable driver to pick you up from Entebbe International Airport and bring you to Busoga (Jinja) – the ~$150 per trip covers fuel and driver for the ~3 hour journey. Within Busoga, your daily transport to project sites (if not within walking distance) can be arranged either through safe public means or private hires at a reasonable cost; this will be discussed during orientation based on your placement location. All participants are required to have travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay (cost varies by provider and length of stay). The Uganda tourist visa (approximately $50) can be obtained online before travel or on arrival at the airport for many nationalities – we will provide guidance on the visa process. Lastly, international airfare to Uganda is not included, so you will need to book your own flights separately (Entebbe is the main international airport). We advise budgeting for personal expenses like souvenirs, optional extra activities, drinks, or additional travel you might want to do on weekends.

Despite the costs involved, BGEP is designed to offer excellent value and a unique experience. You’ll have personalized support every step of the way and the assurance that your investment is benefiting local communities. By targeting participants who are able to fund themselves, the program maintains a high standard of service – from comfortable lodging to quality learning experiences – ensuring that your time in Busoga is both rewarding and hassle-free.

How to Apply and What to Expect

If the Busoga Global Engagement Program sounds like the opportunity you’ve been seeking, the next step is to reach out and apply! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with flexible start dates throughout the year. Simply contact the Busoga Health Forum (info@busogahealthfroum.org OR WhatsApp: +256 780 640302) to express your interest. You will be provided with an application form to detail your background, interests, and what you hope to do during the program. Remember, anyone with passion and purpose can apply – we welcome applicants from all professions and walks of life. Once your application is reviewed and accepted, our team will work with you on logistics: confirming your travel dates, helping you prepare (including any vaccinations or preparations needed for Uganda), and matching you to the best placement for your skills and interests.

Upon arrival in Uganda, you will be met by our BGEP coordinator for a warm welcome. The program begins with a comprehensive orientation session in Jinja, where you’ll get introduced to the local area, go over your schedule, and meet key contacts (such as the heads of the hospital or organization you’ll be attached to). We ensure you know the do’s and don’ts, safety guidelines, and cultural etiquette so you feel confident as you start. Throughout your stay, the coordinator will be available to assist – whether it’s translating during a meeting, showing you around town, or resolving any issues that arise. You’ll quickly settle into a routine, perhaps spending your mornings at the project site and afternoons exploring or relaxing. Every day will be a chance to learn something new – be it a Lusoga phrase, a Ugandan recipe, or a new perspective on community challenges and innovations.

In the end, joining BGEP is more than just a trip abroad; it’s joining a community and a cause.

The Busoga sub‑region in Eastern Uganda has a population of more than 3.3 million people and includes 11 districts plus Jinja city. Despite fertile soils and fishing along Lake Victoria, families in Busoga struggle with food insecurity; 14 % of the population is in a food‑crisis phase and only 47 % are food secure (April–July 2025). By late 2025 the situation is projected to improve slightly (53 % food secure), yet 8 % of families will remain in crisis and nearly 39 % “stressed”. Sugar‑cane monoculture has displaced food crops, incomes are volatile and access to safe water is limited, leading many households to adopt crisis coping strategies (e.g., reducing meal portions or selling assets) ipcinfo.org.

Burden of malnutrition and anemia

Recent research paints a stark picture:

• Anemia epidemic. A 2025 community‑based study in the Busoga region found that 67.4 % of children aged 6‑59 months are anemic; 38.2 % have mild anemia, 54.4 % moderate and 7.4 % severe. Anemia risk was 20 % higher among children who had malaria within the previous two weeks and 50 % higher when caregivers were aged 45–59 years Researchers noted that Busoga’s anemia prevalence far exceeds Uganda’s national estimate (~51.7 %) and is associated with economic deprivation and the expansion of sugar‑cane at the expense of food crops, which fuels household food insecurity.
• Insufficient diets. In the IPC Acute Malnutrition analysis (March–August 2025), only 17 % of children in Busoga met the Minimum Acceptable Diet, and only 34.8 % met Minimum Dietary Diversity. Diets are dominated by starchy staples, while intake of animal‑source foods, fruits and vegetables is low Merely 7.2 % of women of reproductive age achieved minimum dietary diversity.
• Acute malnutrition. Although Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) prevalence in Busoga was relatively low (2.3 %), an estimated 60,860 children and 15,181 pregnant/breast‑feeding women were expected to suffer or require treatment for acute malnutrition between March 2025 and February 2026ipcinfo.org. Only eight districts were classified as IPC Phase 1 (acceptable); but poor feeding practices and recurrent illnesses (malaria, diarrhoea, respiratory infections) jeopardise children’s recovery.
• Stunting and wasting. Nationally, 26 % of Ugandan children under five are stunted. Eastern Uganda (where Busoga is located) has significant stunting (23.8 %), and anemia rates (57.5 %) are the highest nationally.

These figures underscore that child nutrition in Busoga is a severe public‑health emergency. Without decisive action, children risk irreversible cognitive delays, diminished school performance and lifelong economic disadvantages.

Our Strategy – Integrating Community and Hospital Care

Busoga Health Forum (BHF) is spearheading a comprehensive nutrition program anchored on community engagement and hospital partnerships. Our approach is evidence‑based and borrows from successful models of community‑based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), which have demonstrated high recovery rates and low mortality when integrated with health systems.

Community‑level action

1. Early screening & referral. BHF trains community health volunteers and mothers’ support groups to use simple tools like mid‑upper arm circumference (MUAC) tapes to detect malnutrition early. In Mali, integrating acute malnutrition treatment into community case management increased treatment coverage from 20–29 % to 57–61 % within one yearand improved recovery rates (66.9–86.2 %) when supervision and support were strong. We aim to replicate this success in Busoga by decentralizing screening and ensuring swift referral to health facilities.
2. Nutrition education & counselling. Community health workers conduct home visits and group sessions on exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, balanced diets and hygiene. They help caregivers diversify diets using locally available foods and promote iron‑rich foods (beans, leafy greens, fortified porridge) to combat anemia.
3. Food security & livelihoods. BHF supports household and school gardens, introducing bio‑fortified crops (orange‑fleshed sweet potatoes, iron‑rich beans) and drought‑tolerant vegetables. We partner with farmer groups to integrate nutrition education with sustainable agriculture and provide training on improved food storage—an issue highlighted in Mayuge District, where 23.5 % of households lacked permanent food storage.
4. Health promotion. We collaborate with local leaders and schools to encourage timely immunization, dewormingand malaria prevention (use of insecticide‑treated nets and indoor residual spraying) to reduce infection‑related anemia. Water‑sanitation‑hygiene (WASH) campaigns address diarrhoeal disease and parasite infections that exacerbate malnutrition.

Hospital‑level and clinical care

1. Stabilization centres and outpatient therapeutic programs. Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and medical complications are treated at hospital‑based stabilization centres. After stabilization, they graduate to outpatient therapeutic programs (OTPs), receiving ready‑to‑use therapeutic foods (RUTF) and regular follow‑up. A meta‑analysis of integrated management of acute malnutrition programs in Somalia reported recovery rates of 95.4 % in OTPs and 80.8 % in stabilization centres, with death rates under 2 %, far surpassing Sphere standards. These results show that hospital‑community integration saves lives when adequate supplies and trained staff are available.
2. Capacity building for health workers. BHF equips clinicians and nurses with up‑to‑date protocols on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM), including danger‑sign recognition, antibiotic use and counselling on feeding. Regular mentorship ensures adherence to treatment guidelines. Evidence from Mali indicates that recovery rates improved substantially (up to 86 %) when health centres and community health worker (CHW) sites received intensive technical and financial support and supervision.
3. Supply chain and logistics. We work with district health offices to ensure consistent availability of RUTFs, micronutrient powders, iron‑folate supplements and deworming tablets. A GiveWell review found that although CMAM programs can cost around US$ 70 per child in some contexts, they target children at a high mortality risk (~6 % annually) and reduce the risk of death by roughly 45 %, making them highly cost‑effective.
4. Data systems and follow‑up. Health facilities are supported to maintain nutrition registers and track children from admission through discharge and into post‑discharge follow‑up. Community volunteers follow up at home to monitor weight gain, detect relapse early and support feeding practices. Better data allow us to evaluate impact and adapt strategies.

Anticipated Impact and Key Goals

BHF’s programme aims to achieve measurable improvements over five years:

• Reduce anemia prevalence among children under five from 67 % to below 40 %. This includes mass deworming, malaria control and iron supplementation.
• Increase the proportion of children meeting the Minimum Acceptable Diet from 17 % to 50 %, through nutrition education, diversified food production and social protection measures.
• Treat at least 15,000 children with acute malnutrition through integrated hospital and community services, ensuring recovery rates above 85 % and mortality below 2 %.
• Empower women: train 5,000 women in nutrition, breastfeeding counselling and income‑generating activities to improve household food security.
• Strengthen surveillance: implement digital nutrition data systems in all district hospitals and regularly share findings with local governments and partners.

Budgetary Needs and How Donors Can Help

To realise these goals, BHF seeks support for:

1. Training and mentorship: equipping community health workers and hospital staff with skills in nutrition assessment, counselling and IMAM protocols.
2. Nutrition supplies: procuring RUTFs, micronutrient powders, iron/folate tablets, deworming drugs and MUAC tapes.
3. Demonstration gardens and seed distribution: establishing community/school gardens and supplying bio‑fortified seeds and planting materials.
4. Monitoring and evaluation: developing digital data systems, conducting periodic surveys and evaluations to track progress and impact.
5. Community outreach and education: producing communication materials (posters, radio spots, mobile messages) promoting diversified diets, breastfeeding and hygiene.

Investing in child nutrition yields lifelong dividends. Adequately nourished children are more likely to survive, achieve better educational outcomes and become productive adults. By partnering with the Busoga Health Forum, donors can contribute to a scalable, evidence‑based program that combines community empowerment and hospital care to break the cycle of malnutrition. Together, we can ensure that every child in Busoga has the opportunity to thrive.

Key Indicators Summary

BHF’s programme draws on these proven approaches to deliver a scalable, integrated nutrition intervention tailored to the Busoga context. We invite donors to partner with us to nurture a healthier, more prosperous future for Busoga’s children.

“Malaria Must Go!” This is the rallying cry of the people of Busoga, Uganda, a region long burdened by one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases on the continent. The Busoga Malaria Eradication Program (BMEP), led by the Busoga Health Forum (BHF), is a groundbreaking, community-owned effort to eradicate malaria completely by 2028.

Why Malaria? Why Now?

Malaria is not just a health issue,  it’s a driver of poverty, school absenteeism, maternal and child deaths, and stunted economic growth. In Busoga, malaria remains a top cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children and pregnant women.

But this time, the community is not waiting for top-down solutions. They are leading the charge.

Our Vision

A Malaria-Free Busoga

Our Mission

To promote community-led, multisectoral, and sustainable interventions that will eradicate malaria in all 11 districts of the Busoga region.

Our Unique Approach

Unlike previous malaria control programs, BMEP introduces a bold, simultaneous 4-pronged strategy:

Mass Community Mobilization
– Mobilizing citizens, leaders, youth, and religious institutions to take ownership.
– Disseminating clear, culturally tailored messages through radio, drama, schools, churches, and local forums.

Mass Vector Spraying (MVS)
– Targeting both indoor and outdoor mosquito breeding areas in over 880,000 homesteads.
– Led by trained local youth with biannual re-spraying to break the transmission cycle.

Mass Testing and Treatment
– Providing rapid diagnostic tests (MRDT) and prophylactic treatment (DHA-PQ) to over 4 million people.
– Engaging Village Health Teams (VHTs), Community Health Workers, and local leaders for wide-scale, trusted outreach.

Research, Surveillance, and Learning
– Monitoring trends, treatment effectiveness, mosquito behavior, and drug resistance.
– In partnership with Makerere University and other institutions for real-time data, evaluations, and global knowledge sharing.

Expected Outcomes

• Dramatic reduction in malaria cases and deaths.
• Improved household productivity and school attendance.
• Reduced out-of-pocket spending on malaria treatment.
• Empowered communities with capacity to sustain gains beyond the project lifespan.
• Global learning model for other high-burden regions.

Our Funding Need

To implement this program, BMEP requires UGX 154 billion (approx. USD 41 million). These resources will cover:

• Insecticides and spray equipment
• Diagnostic test kits and antimalarial medication
• Community training and mobilization
• Real-time data systems and research activities
• Monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability platforms

The first year is capital intensive to initiate spraying, testing, and treatment in all targeted areas simultaneously. Subsequent years will scale sustainability and reduce costs.

Why Support Us?

Locally owned: The people of Busoga are co-funding and volunteering to make this work.

Innovative and replicable: Our model is designed for scaling to other malaria-endemic regions.

Government-aligned: Fully aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and Ministry of Health strategies.

Data-driven: Every action is monitored, evaluated, and documented to ensure accountability and impact.

The Busoga Health Forum (BHF) is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of communities in the Busoga region. Recognizing the critical link between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and nutrition, BHF has initiated the WASH and Nutrition Project. This initiative aims to integrate WASH interventions with nutrition programs to combat malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes.​

The Interconnection Between WASH and Nutrition

Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to preventing malnutrition. Contaminated water and poor sanitation can lead to diarrheal diseases and intestinal infections, which impair nutrient absorption and contribute to undernutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), addressing WASH is essential for achieving global nutrition targets and improving child health .​

Project Objectives

• Improve Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure that communities have reliable access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.​
• Promote Hygiene Education: Educate community members on effective hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap, to reduce the incidence of WASH-related diseases.​
• Integrate WASH and Nutrition Interventions: Combine WASH initiatives with nutrition programs to address the underlying causes of malnutrition comprehensively.​
• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the planning and implementation of WASH and nutrition activities to ensure sustainability and cultural relevance.​

Strategies for Integration

BHF employs a multisectoral approach, recognizing that sustainable improvements in nutrition require coordinated efforts across health, WASH, and agricultural sectors . Key strategies include:​

• Collaborative Planning: Engaging stakeholders from various sectors to design integrated programs that address both WASH and nutrition challenges.​
• Capacity Building: Training health workers and community volunteers on the interconnectedness of WASH and nutrition to enhance service delivery.​
• Behavior Change Communication: Developing targeted messages that promote both hygienic practices and nutritional awareness.​

Expected Outcomes

Through the WASH and Nutrition Project, BHF anticipates:​

• Reduced Incidence of WASH-Related Diseases: Lower rates of diarrheal diseases and infections, leading to improved nutrient absorption and better health.​
• Improved Nutritional Status: A decrease in malnutrition rates among children and vulnerable populations.​
• Enhanced Community Awareness: Greater understanding and practice of healthy WASH and nutrition behaviors within the community.​

Conclusion

Integrating WASH and nutrition interventions is vital for breaking the cycle of malnutrition and disease. BHF’s WASH and Nutrition Project exemplifies a holistic approach to community health, aligning with global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals related to health, water, and sanitation.

“Every woman has a right to a healthy pregnancy”

BHF is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, local governments, and Civil Society Organisations to coordinate health interventions through established technical working groups and technical/administrative structures including; District Health teams, and formal and non-formal community structures.

On this project, we aim at building capacity of health workers in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements management and administration in Jinja City and Jinja District.

Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

Women have increased micronutrient needs during pregnancy — due to their babies’ rapid growth and development — which often cannot be met through diet alone. Pregnancy can increase the required daily intake of several key vitamins and minerals by as much as 50%. This heightened demand is especially problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where many women in underserved communities are already deficient in several micronutrients even before pregnancy.

Malnutrition During Pregnancy

Poor maternal nutrition can cause babies to be born too small, resulting in more than 800,000 newborn deaths annually. Additionally, undernourished women are more likely to develop serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, anemia — caused by iron deficiency — affects 36% of pregnant women and is believed to increase the risk of death due to postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality. Women in LMICs are at a higher risk of anemia because their diets are more likely to be iron deficient. The consequences of poor maternal nutrition carry into childhood and beyond. Children born to undernourished women are more likely to experience physical and cognitive setbacks that can keep them from reaching their full potential as adults.

Formulating the Multiple Micronutrients in Vitamin Angels Nutritional Supplement.

The MMS formulation provided by Vitamin Angels is consistent with the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) MMS formula and is manufactured to international quality standards. The UNIMMAP MMS formulation contains 15 vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, in recommended doses that have been proven to be effective in multiple regions. UNIMMAP MMS is on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List.

Vitamin Angels is Working to Advance Access to MMS.

Wherever they live, mothers share a common focus: making a better life for their children. Vitamin Angels is working to support moms everywhere by connecting pregnant women with MMS so they can have healthier pregnancies, and their babies get the best start in life. In addition to direct supply, Vitamin Angels is focused on creating demand for MMS, ensuring a global supply, and influencing policy in LMICs to support MMS.

BHF takes pride in being the health implementation partner of Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga, and as such, we are entrusted with coordinating health initiatives in the region. Leveraging our diverse pool of health professionals and networks, along with the cultural knowledge of the Kingdom, we unite healthcare expertise and social capital to enhance healthcare delivery, health literacy, and community involvement.

Our Commitment and Challenge

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a concerning health issue. HPV infection increases the risk of cervical cancer in women. In Uganda, a staggering 13.1 million women aged 15 and older are at risk of cervical cancer. Annually, 6959 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, leading to 4607 fatalities. This not only causes a loss of life but also has significant economic impacts.

Cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer among Ugandan women and the leading cancer among women aged 15 to 44. About 3.6% of women carry cervical HPV-16/18 infection, contributing to 57.0% of invasive cervical cancers.

Our Involvement

Despite national efforts, HPV vaccination coverage remains suboptimal. Busoga Health Forum is stepping up with a two-fold approach: Technical Assistance and Strengthening School-Community Links.

Technical Assistance: We’re collaborating with districts to develop interventions tailored to their context. Our aim is to boost HPV vaccination among 10-year-old girls.

Strengthening School-Community Links: We bridge the gap between schools, communities, and health facilities. This connection ensures that the service reaches those who need it.

Transparent Communication: We’re tackling misinformation and building trust in the HPV vaccine through clear communication. With support from His Majesty the Kyabazinga, experts, and local influencers, we’re emphasizing vaccine safety and efficacy.

GOAL

• To contribute to the achievement of regional HPV vaccination targets for 22,692  10-year-old girls in the Busoga sub-region.

OBJECTIVES

• To Improve attitudes and perceptions towards vaccines and immunization in the context of HPV for 10-14-year-old girls by April 2024.
  • To engage the community to create demand for HPV vaccination uptake in the Busoga sub-region.

Our Methodology

We’ve laid out a comprehensive plan to achieve our goals:

• Identifying partners for community engagement.
• Leveraging WhatsApp groups for factual messaging and using WhatsApp champions.
• Developing a toolkit for proactive messaging.
• Conducting radio talk shows to educate about HPV vaccine.
• Collaborating with faith-based groups, influencers, and NGOs.
• Organizing a regional conference for vaccination planning.
• Supporting districts with task forces and community mobilization.
• Conducting house-to-house visits for mobilization.
• Facilitating joint support supervision activities.
• Implementing robust reporting and performance review systems.

Target Audience

Our efforts will directly benefit 22,692 10-year-old girls. Indirectly, health workers, educators, community leaders, and the entire regional population will benefit from our community engagement and awareness campaigns.

Since 2021 Busoga Health Forum (BHF) implements a pioneer project in Jinja district, especially in Mafubira and Budondo Sub Counties, based on the CBO approach to community development, particularly on health. Working with selected CBOs, Village Health Team (VHTs), and community based health facilities, BHF continues to support these existing community structures by offering training on leadership, planning, monitoring and reporting, as well resource realization, management, and accountability. So far, our interventions are focused on Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) WASH, Family Planning, and Malaria. Consequently, we have started to see outcomes in terms of active participation in common activities and improving community-driven demand for health services. By engaging 15 CBOs in the two Sub Counties in Jinja district, so far, we have been able to, not only support CBOs improve their planning, leadership, and reporting capacities, they have reached over 5,000 households with key messages on health. This kind of success is what we would like to replicate in other districts of Busoga.

During implementation with CBOs, we have observed a growing inadequacy among community groups as well as public health facilities at community level to generate, process, share, and utilize health data during decision making. Limited, or a complete absence of data (especially on availability and utilization of health products and services) continues to affect, not only planning, but overall decision making across both private and public actors on health at community level. Amidst the challenge of limited health data, on the overall we continue to observe the persistent minimal participation by grassroots communities across communities in Busoga region, which is fueled by how development actors treat existing local community structures, such as CBOs, as lacking in capacity and risky to work with.

Yet, to deepen community interventions, we need people and community based organizations with lived experiences in respective communities across Busoga to be at the forefront of community development interventions. That is why the proposal for utilization of CBOs as the sure vehicle towards community development is key at the moment. Based on our current project in Jinja district following the CBO approach, and based on the results we seen so far, we would to scale up this model to more districts and communities in Busoga.

Through the CBO community approach/model BHF shall continue to supporting CBOs which operate in local dynamics/context/settings to overcome their planning, reporting, and accountability inadequacies and fully utilized as a vehicle towards community development. Utilizing its functional secretariat, a pool of experts among its membership, and a well networked team of community liaison officers across villages in Busoga, BHF continues to seeks and engage both operational and strategic partners to improve health indicator among community populations in Busoga, through the CBO community approach.

BHF is seeking financial support to invest in building the capacity of CBOs so that, at community level in Busoga, we can achieve;

1. Increased CBO capacity to raise community awareness on health, especially WASH, Family Planning, and Malaria
2. Increased community driven demand for health services
3. Improved community based accountability in health
4. Built community linkages to health facilities
5. Improved community based monitoring and evaluation

More specifically, the capacity building of CBOs focuses on leadership training, training in strategic planning and reporting, as well building the capacity of community health facilities to utilize data at community level. By nature, CBOs do not have any well-established internal formal structures, therefore, building their capacity shall continue to be essential for them to effectively delivery on their respective mandates.

While CBOs are at the centre of our community approach, they cannot work in isolation. BHF ensures Village Health Teams and local health facilities (both private and public) are networked with CBOs, especially on technical capacity as well as data generation and information sharing.  To functionalize the CBO community approach, BHF put in place guidelines on how CBOs are engaged, starting with signing of MOUs with selected CBOs. The guidelines are contained in CBO project manuals on administration and management, financial controls and reporting, operations, and monitoring and evaluation of CBOs.

Ultimately, we strive to arrive at a situation where; (i) communities identify and prepare feasible plans in order to address their health priority issues, (ii) communities implement interventions based on local targets outlined in social contract and in harmony with national and regional health plans, (iii) communities contributing their resources to ensure sustainability, and (iv) voice and representation of marginalized communities in their health development processes amplified. 

Objectives:

1. Provide health workers with the latest evidence-based medical knowledge and best practices in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of common diseases and health conditions.
2. Improve the quality of healthcare services provided to communities in Busoga region through the delivery of high-quality and up-to-date medical education.
3. To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health workers.
4. To promote professional growth and development of health workers.

 Program Delivery:

The program will be delivered through a variety of modalities, including:

1. Weekly Sessions: Health workers will attend weekly sessions to receive training and updates on current practices and developments in their field.
2. Interactive Workshops: Interactive workshops will be held to provide hands-on training and practical skills. This may be: Face-to-face training sessions led by experienced medical professionals and subject matter experts, Or Peer-to-peer learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and Practical training sessions and hands-on experience in health facilities across the region.
3. Case Studies: Health workers will engage in case studies and discussion groups to apply their learning and share best practices.
4. Online Resources: Health workers will have access to online resources and materials to support their learning. Or Online webinars and e-learning modules.
5. CPD points will be awarded to all the participants on a weekly basis as a way of catering for individuals who are required to have CPD points
6. Proceedings and way forward will be documented and used in influencing policy and decision making as far as Busoga region is concerned.

Target audience: The target audience includes members of; Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council (UMDPC), Allied Health Practitioners Council (AHPC) , Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council(UNMC), Academia, students, Public health practitioners and non-health practitioners, among others

Program Content:

The CME program will cover a range of topics/competencies relevant to the practice of frontline health workers. The topics will include, but are not limited to:

• Pediatrics and Child Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Anesthesia
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• General Medicine
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Medical Administrative
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Ophthalmology
• Pain Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Pathology
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Radiation Oncology
• Radiology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Sports and Exercise Medicine
• Surgery
• Dental Surgery
• Pulmonology
• Cardiology Diagnosis,
• Nutrition and healthy lifestyle promotion.
• Infection prevention and control.
• Emergency care and first aid.

Duration and Frequency: The program will run for 52 weeks, with ongoing evaluations and assessments to ensure its effectiveness. Weekly sessions and interactive workshops will be held on a regular basis, with case studies and online resources offered as needed.

Program Evaluation:

The program will be evaluated through a range of mechanisms, including:

• Pre- and post-training assessments of knowledge and skills.
• Feedback and evaluations from participants and trainers.
• Tracking of changes in health outcomes in communities served by participating health facilities.

Program Implementation:

The CME program will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, including health professional associations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The program will be tailored to meet the specific needs of health workers in Busoga region, considering the local context, cultural norms, and healthcare priorities.

Conclusion: Continual medical education is essential for health workers in the Busoga region to maintain their competence and improve the quality of health care services. This program will provide a comprehensive approach to medical education on a weekly basis and promote the professional growth and development of health workers.

NCDs are rising in Uganda; according to the Uganda cancer registry, about 34,008 cases are reported annually with a mortality rate of about 80%, Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes prevalence (of the population ages 20 to 79) of 4.6% was reported in 2021. The incidence of hypertension is currently estimated at about one-third among adults and growing. It’s 3rd among the top 10 diseases in Uganda [DHIS2, 2021]

NCDs affect people of all age groups, Children, adults and the elderly are all vulnerable to the risk factors contributing to NCDs, whether from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke or harmful use of alcohol.[3] Evidence shows that 17 million NCD deaths occur before the age of 70 years. Of these premature deaths, 86% are estimated to occur in developing countries, Uganda inclusive. The World Health Organisation estimates that the burden of NCDs will increase by 17% globally and 27% in Africa.

Sedentary workers are particularly vulnerable and prone to NCDs. Literature indicates that developing many NCDs like stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and heart disease is related to Physical inactivity [4]. Prolonged sitting is an independent risk factor for developing NCDs and most of the work around the globe involves prolonged sitting [5]. Creating awareness among the population at risk is vital in reducing the complications of the diseases and improving workers’ productivity and economic development. Therefore, Busoga Health Forum (BHF) will conduct workplace NCDs awareness, screening, psychosocial support, referral and follow-up to achieve a healthy and productive workforce targeting corporate institutions including; financial institutions, leisure and hospitality institutions, among others in the Busoga subregion.

Intervention

To lessen the impact of NCDs on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach is needed requiring all sectors to collaborate to reduce the risks associated with NCDs and to promote interventions to prevent and control them.

Investing in better management of NCDs is critical. Management of NCDs includes; detecting, screening and treating these diseases, and providing access to palliative care for people in need. High-impact essential NCD interventions can be delivered through a primary healthcare approach to strengthening early detection and timely treatment. Evidence shows such interventions are excellent economic investments because, if provided early to patients, they can reduce the need for more expensive treatment.

Busoga Health Forum (BHF) is therefore carrying out NCDs awareness among corporate institutions in the Busoga sub-region, counsel and screen staff and provide the necessary care on-site and through referrals for the management of advanced cases.

Impact result: Improved staff productivity

Outcome Results

1. Increased awareness about NCDs and associated risks
2. Improve the work environment.
3. A healthier workforce.

Proposed Activities

1. Conduct an NCD awareness campaign.
2. Sensitise members of the targeted corporate institutions on NCDs
3. Form and train a workplace NCD task force to promote awareness and champion preventive/ mitigating activities.
4. Hold radio talk shows to create NCD awareness among the general public
5. Support the targeted corporate institutions to design and implement an NCD-conscious work environment.

2. Screening for NCDs and Referral

1. Conduct quarterly on-site screening for NCDs,
2. Refer suspected cases for investigation of cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke) and cancers to hospitals and other accredited facilities.
3. Provide Psycho-social counselling and support to identified patients.

Project Evaluation:

The project shall be evaluated at the end of the year. Process monitoring shall be undertaken quarterly based on activities. 

Institutional capacity

The Busoga Health Forum (BHF) Uganda uses multidisciplinary medical professionals, public health specialists, and other health-related and non-clinical practitioners to address the region’s health-related issues. BHF advocates for the improvement and maintenance of community health programs through developing community-centred interventions and policy briefs based on evidence generated in the region and country on best practices. Therefore, we are a think tank, generating evidence to drive health policy action to improve the health and development of individuals in the Busoga region.

BHF is a convener of the regional civil society platform on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent Health and Nutrition, which advocates for improved physical activity, access to SRHR and family services in the Busoga region in the east-central sub-region of Uganda. BHF is working towards becoming a regional data epicentre.

Thus, this project will enhance our innovative and creative capacity to fulfil our existing mandate, especially in promoting physical health, mental well-being, stakeholders’ engagement and participation in health. This project will mainly focus on increasing workplace productivity through awareness, screening, psychosocial support, referral and follow-up.

References:

1.          Unwin, N., et al., Tackling the emerging pandemic of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: the essential NCD health intervention project. Public health, 1999. 113(3): p. 141-146.

2.         Terzic, A. and S. Waldman, Chronic diseases: the emerging pandemic. Clinical and translational science, 2011. 4(3): p. 225.

3.         Organization, W.H., School policy framework: implementation of the WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. 2008.

4.         Tcymbal, A., et al., Prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among adults in Armenia. Frontiers in Public Health, 2020. 8: p. 157.

5.         Thivel, D., et al., Physical activity, inactivity, and sedentary behaviours: definitions and implications in occupational health. Frontiers in public health, 2018. 6: p. 288.

BHF advocates for the improvement and maintenance of personal and community health through the development of community centred interventions and policy briefs based on the evidence that is generated in the region and country on best practices. BHF is therefore a think tank, generating evidence to drive health policy action to improve the health and development of individuals in Busoga sub-region and any other regions in Uganda.

BHF implements its mandate in collaboration with the central government, that is, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the district local government administrative structures. BHF also works with development partners and community-based structures to reach out to the target populations in the communities, that is, health workers, administrators, policy makers, vulnerable women, adolescent girls and young women and children.

Areas of focus include: improvement in quality health care services, community mobilisation and sensitization, training and continuous career skills development for healthcare workers, economic empowerment for the most vulnerable community individuals who cannot meet the cost of their health care needs, adolescent sexual reproductive health, school health programs for students and pupils, immunisation, nutrition, advocacy and health research.

Rationale for the Initiative

The vision-bearers of Busoga Health Forum set it up after it was realised that the health statistics in the Busoga are among the poorest for any region in Uganda, despite being a major place of origin for many health professionals in Uganda. Health professionals and other technical experts have been drawn into the Busoga Health Forum with the objective of deploying their expertise to reverse the current poor state of health in Busoga sub-region. The Pro-Bono strategy is therefore, expected to be cost-effective and provides as opportunity to organise clinical health specialists or experts to dedicate a meaningful, though could be a small fraction of their time to contribute to improving access to health care service delivery and building of the capacity of the human health workforce to positively impact on the health outcomes of the Busoga sub-region underserved communities.

Goal: The goal is to rapidly and cheaply increase access to specialised healthcare services in the sub-region.

Objectives

1. To increase the number of specialists providing healthcare services in Busoga
   1. To support BHF to create a rapid impact on the lives of the people of Busoga.
   2. To set up an activity that quickly increases the visibility of BHF

Proposed operating model

Use outreach special clinic days and medical camps while leveraging on the existing health facility infrastructure within in the region and potential support from the private sector.

• Specialists and super-specialists get into groups based on the specialities – E.N.T, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Public Health, General Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynaecology, etc.
  • Frequency planned to regularly occur once in a month (for special clinics of 1-2 days), while, medical camps may be once in a quarter
  • A venue is selected or proposed e.g. one of the corporate-member private health facilities or an agreeable public facility
  • Each specialist or super-specialist commits to come and run the clinics and camps or outreaches on a pro bono basis
  • BHF widely publicises the health activity in liaison with the hosting venue or facility (using any feasible community media platform and conduct planning meetings for resources mobilisation)
  • With only a single visit per specialist per month, it is possible for only 4 specialists to offer weekly specialist services in the region. This makes each specialist to donate to BHF / Busoga only 12 days out of 365 days in a year. However, the consistent presence of a specialist in Busoga on a predictable basis every week can make a huge impact on the health of the sub-region.
  • With good planning, good coordination, basic support medical staff and well developed IT infrastructure, we can also exploit telemedicine.

Expected outcomes

1. A boost to the existing services which are inadequate.
2. The introduction of new services which are lacking in the region.
3. Improved district and regional performance for HMIS indicators and the national MOH league table rankings