Launching the project, the Assistant Commissioner Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Kagwa said Village Health Teams (VHTs) are very useful and their work adds value to what the Ministry of Health delivers. He expressed hope that with the VHT structure in Ssisa Sub County strengthened, the sub county will be among the top performers in Wakiso district. In immunization, Ssisa was always among the poorest performers in the district. I hope with this initiative, you are going to perform better.
Health is a calling; it is not a job, it is like priesthood; no rest, no leave. Many die while trying to save others. It is commitment above self. God has given you to us to fulfill this calling; we thank you very much; he implored. The project was launched at Nakawuka Football grounds in Nakawuka, Ssisa on 28th May 2015.
Dr. Kagwa also mentioned that securing monthly or regular pay for the VHTs may not be possible and even if it materialized, may not make much difference in their lives. He therefore urged them to engage in income generation activities through SACCOs and other avenues to improve their household incomes. He thanked Mr. David Musoke and team at Makerere University School of Public Health for supporting the Ministry of Health in fulfilling its mandate.
Representing the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health, Mr. Geofrey Musinguzi said the outcome of the project will provide information on the next health challenge to handle in the sub county. He thanked the residents for the opportunity to work with them and for also providing students with a learning environment.
In his speech, Mr. David Musoke pointed out that Makerere University School of Public Health has been conducting research in Ssisa Sub County for the last seven years in primary health care, maternal health, malaria control, among other areas. In all this work, VHTs were noted to be active. We are proud of you as VHTs for the work you are doing for the community in many aspects of disease control. We know there are challenges in your work and we have conducted extensive research in this area. We want to strengthen your capacity to ensure you do your job better; he said. Mr. Musoke added that through partnership with Nottingham Trent University (UK) and the Ministry of Health Uganda, a project to strengthen the Village Health Team programme in Ssisa Sub County, Wakiso District was designed. The project focus will be on training, supervision and motivation of the VHTs. Each village selected four people; two of which are engaged specifically in drug distribution.
Currently, some have dropped off; this is one of the areas we want to support. Some villages are too big to be served by only 4 people, so a few people have come out to volunteer and they need training. Record keeping also needs to be improved so that hospitals get the right data from the VHTs, and non-monetary token of appreciation will be provided to aid VHTs carry out their duties. We will work with the Ministry of Health and existing structures to deliver the training.
The VHT coordinators will also be supported in their role, Mr. Musoke said. Mr. Musoke added that three motorcycles to support the work of the VHTs are also being procured for the project. He pledged that the School of Public Health will continue to conduct research in Ssisa Sub County as long as there is need. The LC III Chairperson, Ssisa Sub County Mr. Patrick Wilson Byekwaso pointed out that Village Heath Teams work for free yet the community doesn't always appreciate their work. Even when there are trainings, they use their own money to attend. He said they should be remunerated because they contribute a lot. He endured the residents to support the police in fighting crime and lawlessness in the area. On poverty and self-development challenges, he cautioned residents against blaming President Yoweri Museveni for the poverty.
This project is funded through the Health Partnership Scheme, which is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and managed by the Tropical Health & Education Trust (THET).
