The Ministry of Health Uganda has passed out 346 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in western Uganda as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare services at the community level.
During a ceremony held in Mbarara, the Minister for Health Jane Ruth Aceng presided over the graduation of 136 Community Health Extension Workers, who completed six months of training.
The event was also attended by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Diana Atwine and the U.S.
Ambassador to Uganda, reflecting the partnership supporting the programme.
The newly trained workers were equipped with medical kits and bicycles to help them move easily within communities as they deliver essential health services.
The training and equipment were supported by the United States Government through the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) and the EPIC Project.
Out of the 136 CHEWs trained in Mbarara, 92 will be deployed in Mbarara District while 42 will serve in Mbarara City.
The health workers are expected to play a key role in promoting healthy practices, preventing diseases, carrying out community surveillance and linking households to health facilities.
Health officials say the CHEWs are a critical component of Uganda’s Primary Health Care strategy and will help strengthen disease prevention and health awareness at the grassroots level.
In a related development, 210 Community Health Extension Workers in Rukungiri have also completed six months of training and are set to be deployed in their respective parishes.
The programme aims to strengthen community health systems by ensuring households receive timely health information, early disease detection and referral services.
Officials say the expansion of Community Health Extension Workers is expected to improve access to healthcare and enhance disease prevention efforts across communities in western Uganda.
