We take the role the role of Community Health Workers seriously.
Through them great milestones have been reached across the globe. However, despite their contributions to the achievement of Health for All, little efforts are being taken to involve them in decision making, especially decisions that affect their work. Moreover, less than 15% of CHWs in Africa and in other Low and Middle Income regions are remunerated.
We are working with CHWs to;
- Ensure their recognition and integration into the healthcare workforce,
- Influence policy change including,
- Definition of CHW roles,
- Responsibilities, and qualifications,
- Improve funding for CHW programs,
- Training and certification,
- Supervision among others.
Our involvement in CHW advocacy is essential for recognizing the vital role that CHWs play in healthcare delivery, securing the necessary resources and support, and creating an enabling environment for CHWs to effectively serve their communities and contribute to improved health outcomes. Whereas our advocacy and policy agenda is new, we are already making good progress: We are leading the formation of the National CHW Association with over 600 CHWs already part of the movement. Additionally, to further advance the cause for professional CHWs, we are spearheading the formational and registration of the Uganda NGO Coalition for organizations in the community health workspace.
To further put CHWs at the forefront of advocacy, we took lead in rolling out the CHW advocacy training course in Uganda, and over 400 CHWs have enrolled and completed the course. In addition, on 15th September 2023, the course was officially launched in Uganda. The launch of the Advocacy training course was organized by Nama Wellness and was attended by officials from MoH-Uganda, Mukono district health office, Nama sub county, and other partners, including, CHIC, Stanford Centre for Health Education, Komo Learning Centres, Living Goods, Mother2Mother, Health Entrepreneurs, and ACCESS-Uganda.
