The Wakiso District Health Department has launched the training of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), a new cadre of health workers expected to strengthen primary healthcare services at parish level across the district.
The six-month training programme has enrolled two trainees from each parish, all of whom completed Senior Four and passed science subjects.
Assistant District Health Officer Betty Nabuganda said the initiative is aimed at improving access to preventive and basic healthcare services within communities.
"We selected two people from every parish who completed Senior Four and passed science subjects. After six months of training, they will be deployed to serve their communities," Nabuganda said.
According to Nabuganda, the Community Health Extension Workers will focus on the prevention and management of common illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes and tuberculosis. They will also conduct community health education, refer patients to higher health facilities when necessary, and supervise Village Health Teams (VHTs).
"The CHEWs will work at Health Centre I level. Although they will not administer injections, they will play a key role in disease prevention, health promotion, referrals and supporting Village Health Teams," she explained.
She added that the health workers will be employed and paid by the government and equipped with mobile phones for submitting reports, basic medical equipment and bicycles to enable them to reach households throughout their assigned parishes.
Nabuganda urged the trainees to dedicate themselves to the training programme so they can effectively serve their communities after deployment.
"I encourage the trainees to remain committed throughout the training, and I appeal to communities to welcome and support them so they can perform their duties effectively," she said.
