The first ever National Community Health Strategy (NCHS) (2021/22 – 2025/26) was recently (February 2023) by the Minister for Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero at Speke Resort, Munyonyo. 

Speaking at the launch event, Health Minister, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said the strategy will be implemented by the Village Health Teams and Community Health Workers.  Dr Aceng reiterated the value of the strategy adding that empowered communities can improve their own health, promote development and advance economic growth.   

On his part, the chairman of the Country Coordinating Mechanism of the Global Fund in Uganda, Andrew Musoke, said the Global Fund has committed $3.4M to pilot the Community Health Workers programme in the Kyotera, Kazo, Maracha and Amudat districts.

Strengthening community healthcare systems became a vital aspect towards the response to the Covid-19 pandemic which brought the challenge of dealing with overcrowded hospitals and health centres to the fore, as severe and moderately ill patients gathered in the same treatment centres to seek medical attention.  

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, Dr Charles Ayume said the National Community Health Strategy emphasizes the importance of the health sector’s role towards engaging in community-based preventive and promotive healthcare.

Community health initiatives remain vital in contributing to the improvement in Uganda’s health service delivery given the vital role they play towards bringing health care services closer to the people.