Legislators on the Health Committee of Parliament and the Community Health Partners Coalition Uganda are calling for greater government support to Village Health Teams (VHTs), who play a crucial role in delivering community healthcare services.
During a meeting with the Parliamentary Health Committee, Pauline Picho Keronyai, chairperson of the coalition, highlighted the struggles faced by VHTs.
According to Keronyai, VHTs are often the first responders in community healthcare, but they receive little to no consistent financial support.
"VHTs are the backbone of community healthcare, but they are often neglected and under-resourced," Keronyai said.
The coalition is urging lawmakers to prioritize regular funding, training, and equipment for VHTs.
"We urge lawmakers to prioritize regular funding, training, and equipment for these health workers, who play a vital role in disease prevention and health education at the grassroots level," Keronyai emphasized.
VHTs are essential in providing primary healthcare services, including disease prevention, health education, and referral services.
They are often the first point of contact for communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
By supporting VHTs, the government can improve healthcare outcomes and strengthen the healthcare system.
The coalition's call for greater support for VHTs highlights the need for sustained investment in community healthcare.
"By prioritizing VHTs, we can improve healthcare outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas," Keronyai said.
The legislators and health organizations are committed to working with the government to ensure that VHTs receive the support they need to deliver effective community healthcare services.
By providing regular funding, training, and equipment to VHTs, the government can empower them to continue playing a vital role in disease prevention and health education at the grassroots level.
This, in turn, can lead to improved healthcare outcomes and a healthier population.