By Lucky P
The Kabarole District Health Department has strengthened community health service delivery by providing protective gear to Village Health Teams (VHTs) across the district.
Under this initiative, two active VHT members per village are being equipped with gumboots to enable them carry out their duties more safely and effectively, particularly in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas. The move also highlights the vital role VHTs play in promoting community health through mobilisation, disease prevention, and health education at the grassroots level.
While handing over the gear on Wednesday in Kabende Sub-county, Kijura Town Council, Kibasi Town Council, and Hakibale Sub-county, the Senior District Health Educator (DHE) for Kabarole, Catherine Kemigabo, underscored the importance of VHTs as the first point of contact between communities and the health system. She noted that VHTs are instrumental in conducting door-to-door sensitization, promoting hygiene and sanitation, and supporting early detection and prevention of diseases.
Kemigabo explained that the provision of gumboots is intended to improve the safety and morale of the VHTs as they traverse difficult terrain to reach households. She commended them for their dedication and resilience despite working on a voluntary basis, and urged them to remain committed to their responsibilities.
The VHT Coordinator for Kijura Town Council, Mrs. Nalubega Mary Good, welcomed the initiative, praising the district health department for its continued engagement and support. However, she appealed for additional protective gear such as gloves and reflector jackets to further ease their work.
Similarly, Mr. Rutiija Fabiano, a VHT from Rwenjeyo Village in Ndaiga Parish, Kabende Sub-county, echoed the need for more equipment and called upon the Ministry of Health to consider providing VHTs with a monthly allowance to facilitate their operations.
Mr. Rutiija expressed gratitude for the support, noting that “these gumboots will greatly assist them in navigating villages, especially during the rainy season, as we mobilize communities on key health issues,” he explained.
VHTs remain a cornerstone of Uganda’s primary healthcare system. They bridge the gap between health facilities and communities by promoting preventive healthcare, supporting immunization campaigns, monitoring public health concerns, and guiding households on proper hygiene practices. Despite their critical contribution, many VHTs operate without regular pay, relying on limited facilitation.
Stakeholders continue to advocate for structured support, including monthly allowances and adequate protective gear, to sustain their motivation and enhance their effectiveness in delivering essential health services at the community level.