Implementing Intersectoral Collaboration for Universal Health Coverage in Uganda

Project team and district leaders at Ngora district headquartersProject team and district leaders at Ngora district headquartersThe African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation (ACHEST) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ngora District Local Government (NDLG) are piloting a project to implement Intersectoral Collaboration (ISC) for Integrated People-Centered Primary Health Care (IPCPHC), using Whole of Society approach. This pilot project operationalizes to scale the government of Uganda ISC and IPCHC Strategy in which the Village Health Team (VHT) is established alongside the elected Parish and Village Local Council 1 leaders who are responsible for the overall governance of the village. Cultural and Religious leaders and Civil Society are also engaged.

The project is premised on the principle that good health starts with, and is created by individuals, their families and the communities; and that individuals have the primary responsibility for maintaining their own health. The VHTs maintain health registers with records of the health status of each individual in the households; and promote and record good health practices, hygiene and health conditions of household members. They also identify, refer and follow-up patients in homes, ensure that immunization, maternal health and other population health needs are addressed.

The six months pilot project from August 2020 to January 2021 is being implemented in five villages of Adul, Obur, Oluroi,The Village Health Team receive bicyles and other tools to use during the course of the projectThe Village Health Team receive bicyles and other tools to use during the course of the project Ajeluk, and Okunguro including the Mukura Urban Council; all in Mukura Sub County, Ngora District.

Expected outcomes:
By the end of the project, it is expected that:
1. The communities will be able to own all issues and take charge of the quality of their lives and hold higher level duty bearers accountable.
2. With the increasing spread of COVID-19 infections in the country, this intervention will enable communities to be fully engaged in the response and control measures.
3. Better informed policymakers and budget holders adopt a favorable policy environment and improve resource allocation for ISC and health.
4. Health and other SDG indicators improved.