WHO and KOICA saving the health care system in Busoga Sub region
This initiative not only promises to elevate healthcare services but also to inspire similar efforts across other regions.
Op-Ed: The Busoga sub-region is on the brink of a major advancement in healthcare infrastructure, thanks to a significant new project spearheaded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
This initiative will see the refurbishment of 28 health facilities across the region and the installation of state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting systems.
The refurbishment effort aims to revitalize and modernize existing healthcare infrastructure, focusing on upgrading critical areas such as medical equipment, patient wards, and sanitation facilities. This comprehensive overhaul will enhance the quality of care provided, ensuring that healthcare workers have the tools and environment necessary to deliver effective and compassionate services.
The project was opened in Mayuge District, at Baitambogwe HC111.
The Health department of Mayuge district serves a population of 615,200 people with a mission of attaining of a good standard of health by its entire people in the district in order to promote a healthy and productive life amongst them.
The department is served by three Health sub District with a health centre IV in each. Currently a total of 73 health facilities reports in the DHIS2 (District Health Information System).
Simultaneously, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems represents a pivotal step towards sustainability and resilience in the healthcare sector. These systems will be strategically placed at each facility to capture and store rainwater, which will be used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing. This approach not only reduces dependence on traditional water sources but also helps manage water resources more effectively in the face of varying climatic conditions.
The integration of rainwater harvesting systems brings multiple benefits. It contributes to significant cost savings on water procurement, promotes environmental sustainability, and enhances the reliability of water supply in areas where access to clean water may be inconsistent. By adopting these systems, the health facilities will be better equipped to handle both everyday operations and emergencies, ensuring a steady supply of water for essential functions.
This project underscores the collaborative efforts of KOICA and WHO in addressing both immediate healthcare needs and long-term sustainability goals. The engagement of local communities and stakeholders has been central to the planning and implementation phases, ensuring that the project aligns with the specific needs of the Busoga sub-region and maximizes its impact.
The breakdown of health facilities in Mayuge District.,
Level of the health facility; hospital ( Buluba), No 01, ownership; private not for profit. H/C IVs No 03 ownership, Government. H/CIIIS NO 11, Government. H/CIIS No 20 Government. H/C IIs No 08 for private Not for profit. H/CIIs NO 03 for government(prisons).H/CIIs NO 28 for private.
Community structure
The department has a vibrant community structure which supports in the extension of health services to the lowest community. This structure is majorly comprised of VHTs and the community Extension Health Workers (CHEWs) who were recently added onto the community structure. The VHTs are over 1536 while the active CHEWs are 165.
Mayuge has been privileged to be one of those districts in Busoga region that have benefited from KOICA support on the Health systems strengthening for improving Reproductive Maternal New born, child and adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Project.
From the inception of the project and a lot of achievement has been registeredjust as listed below;
More than 100 midwives and Nurses plus clinical officers and medical officers received refreshers training in Antenatal care, Postnatal care, Family Planning, Kangaroo Mother care , Adolescent health, helping Babies Breath BEmONC and CEmONC.
One Ambulance for emergency referrals provided in 2021 and it is still in good mechanical condition and as well as the district Ambulance committee was trained. The ambulance team was provided with uniforms.
RMNCAH reference materials were provided for health workers to use.
IPC materials for Covid 19 were provided.
Students and teachers have been trained is SRH
Officers trained in RMNCCAH leadership
Supported reporting by provision of phones to health facilities.
6H/Fs (Katerere, Kigandalo, Baitambogwe, Wabulungu, Bwonda and Bugoto) have been provided with MCH equipment from KOICA- WHO.
Some overall Achievements in Mayuge District.
Competence and skills of health workers in providing RMNCAH services has been improved
Increase of ANC 1st trimester from 20% to 26%
Increase of ANC4+ visit from 34% to 41%
Institutional deliveries have increased from 32% to 45%
Increase in postnatal care from 15% to 30%
Maternal death surveillance and review at 100%
Perinatal death surveillance and review at over 80%
Fully immunised children from 70% to 81%
Teenage pregnancies have stagnated at 23%
So far 6H / facilities upgraded to level IIIi.e.Jagusi, Busala, Bukatube, Nkumbe, Buyugu and Muggi.M
Expectation
We expect increased access of health services, especially the material, new-borns, child and adolescent health services. And therefore, tremendous improvement performance in the RMNCAH indicators.
The launch of this initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing the healthcare infrastructure of the Busoga sub-region. By enhancing facility standards and integrating innovative water management solutions, KOICA and WHO are setting a benchmark for future development projects, demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare delivery while promoting environmental responsibility. This initiative not only promises to elevate healthcare services but also to inspire similar efforts across other regions.
The author is Kamara Daniel, Nutritionist at Bwindi Community Hospital.
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