Local Leaders Championing Community Health Transformation in Namayingo.
By: Tatumwa Desmond Benjamin
Busoga Health Forum (BHF) has embarked on an ambitious project to mobilize communities and improve family health in Namayingo District, Uganda. Supported by USAID-UHA, the project targets seven sub-counties, including Banda, Buswale, Mutumba, Sigulu Island, Mutumba T/C, Buyinja, and Buhemba. The aim of this project is to Mobilize communities to increase the adoption and uptake of integrated community-based family health services, strengthen bi-directional community- health facility referral and linkage systems and improving reporting, reviewing and monitoring interventions to promote on going learning and adaptation.
The community, led by district structures, community peers, and influencers, has rallied behind this cause. Luganda Isa, the District Khadi and leader of the inter-religious council says the efforts to disseminate health information through prayers and burial ceremonies have been of great help. Despite challenges like low attendance at religious gatherings, they have resorted to home visits to reach more people.
Health Assistant Mwesige Robert praises the project for supporting community mobilization and utilizing VHTs (Village Health Teams) and peers to extend health services to remote areas. The initiative has significantly improved immunization rates, reduced defaulters, and increased health service uptake. Mwesige notes, however, the need for IEC materials and transport for VHTs to further enhance their outreach efforts.
Mr. Kawere Naay, the Prime Minister of Bukooli Chiefdom, was grateful for the project’s impact. The chiefdom now has a strong team mobilizing families and spreading health awareness. Reports indicate a notable increase in health facility visits, especially among pregnant mothers. Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) are beginning to refer mothers to hospitals, marking a positive shift in community health practices.
This partnership between BHF, USAID-UHA, and local leaders is making a great impact on family health in Namayingo, which is making our community health and more informed about health-related issues.
Pull-out Quote
“Through the support of Busoga Health Forum and USAID-UHA, we have utilized existing structures to reach far communities, increasing the uptake of health services.” – Health Assistant Mwesige Robert
