Kazo District has taken a bold step toward strengthening community health services by handing over 102 bicycles to Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), enabling them to reach even the most remote areas with vital health services.
The bicycles, donated by the Ministry of Health in partnership with The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), are expected to enhance the mobility and efficiency of CHEWs as they deliver preventive and primary health care in their communities.
Each parish in Kazo is served by two CHEWs ,one male and one female , who were carefully selected by local leaders and parish stakeholders.
Their qualifications and appointments were approved by both the Ministry of Health and the Kazo District Health Department, requiring at least an O-Level certificate.
Following their selection, the CHEWs underwent six months of rigorous training at the Kazo District headquarters. Now fully deployed, these frontline workers spend 70% of their time serving within their communities and 30% at nearby health facilities, where they help manage and prevent common illnesses at the grassroots level.
Speaking to the Nile Post, Scovia Fokushaba, the Kazo District Health Educator, emphasized the importance of the CHEWs program in transforming public health:
“With the CHEWs program, we expect a significant improvement in health outcomes in our communities. These workers are bridging the gap between health facilities and households, helping to reduce disease burdens and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.”
Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Mayanja Majwala commended the CHEWs for their dedication and resilience:
“These workers are playing a vital role in the fight against diseases in our communities. Despite earning modest allowances, they are making a meaningful contribution. We thank the Ministry of Health and its partners for supporting them with bicycles that will ease their work.”
Resident District Commissioner Captain Yahaya Kazo echoed the appreciation and encouraged the CHEWs to serve with national pride:
“You have been given a chance to serve your country — do it with passion. Your work is essential, and your commitment will make a lasting impact on the lives of our people.”
Kazo District Chairperson Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda also applauded the initiative and urged the CHEWs to stay true to their training:
“Maintain professionalism and use these bicycles as your primary mode of transport. This will ensure you reach more people and respond to health needs efficiently.”
Kazo District is among the lucky few across the country to benefit from this transformative health program. Beyond improving healthcare access, the CHEWs initiative is also providing employment opportunities to local youth, bringing hope and health closer to the people.
The CHEWs Policy provides a framework for strategic partnerships and increased investments for community health program.
It is also in line with the UN general assembly resolution that encourages developing countries to use CHEWs to fill the human resource gaps and improve community health.
With new bicycles and renewed motivation, Kazo's CHEWs are now better equipped to deliver life-saving health services where they are needed most , right at the heart of the community.
