The capacity building training was held in partnership with Ntoroko District Local Government with a theme of transferring knowledge to Health Unit Management Committees in matters of health service delivery, health policies, advocacy using ICT, drug monitoring and effective use.
The training was held on 26th July 2018 at Karugutu town council hall in Ntoroko district. It was facilitated by Dr.Tony Mugisa the deputy DHO Bunyangabu district and Mr. Byaruhanga Patrick the District Health Educator (DHE) Ntoroko district.
All the HUMC members including the In-charges from the 7 government aided health units were invited for the training where a total number of thirty eight (38) participants attended; 24 were males while 14 were females. Participants came from; Karugutu HC IV, Rwebisengo HC III, Bweramule HC II, Rwangara HC II, Ntoroko HC III, Musandama HC II and Stella Maris all located in Ntoroko district.
David Kugonza on behalf of ToroDev while giving the objectives of the training said as an organization we held a baseline survey in April 2017 to know the status of HC IIs, IIIs and IVs in Rwenzori sub region. We engaged with the district health officials, district health executive and the health centre In-charges who helped us to understand the gaps that exist in the work of health unit management committees especially in planning, monitoring, lobbying & advocacy for improved health care management systems. David further said, as an organization we want to transfer knowledge to HCMC members in matters of health service delivery policies, NMSDS, advocacy using ICT, (online/electronic) drug stock-outs and monitoring effective use of resources at health centers, provide knowledge and competencies on the roles & responsibilities of HCMC explaining the existing policies on Health Care delivery system in the District, Information sharing and advocacy for improved health care system, using modern and traditional tools, etc.
He called upon HUMC members to use a prepaid toll free number 6115 to participate through an online e-participation system initiated by ToroDev called ‘’Me and My Leader’’ (MML) to share their community concerns that affects the health sector in the district such that their issues can be presented before duty bearers for action all aimed at improved health services
The topics covered during the training included but were not limited to; roles & responsibilities of HCMC’s, structure and composition of HUMC, conducting meetings, governance, advocacy using ICT’s, management of medicines and supplies, formation and tenure, budgeting processes, monitoring, etc.
“As a district we thank ToroDev for this good initiative in our district especially inducting HUMC members on their roles and responsibilities which I believe have been affecting them in their execution of their work. I urge HUMC members to cooperate with health unit In-charges such that they can effectively access information which you should share with the community members while playing your role of linking the facility to the community’’, said Ms Joan Mughuma the assistant chief administrative officer Ntoroko district while giving closing remarks during the training. Joan further said that the work done by these members is voluntary but with the knowledge and skills imparted to them from the training am hopeful that we are soon witnessing improved health services in the district such that our people can be mobilized and informed in the affairs of our health facilities
There was a session of each health facility to make action plan that will be implemented immediately after the training. Some of their action points included; conducting regular HUMC meetings, participating in development of health facility work plans, giving accountability quarterly, demarcating the facility to increase on security of people and property, holding bi-annual community dialogue meetings, witnessing delivery of drugs and general monitoring of the health facility among others.
We are grateful to our donors and other stakeholders for the financial and technical support that is making us reach our people in remote communities.
