Uganda: Public Health and Education in the CommunityNikki RasmussenUniversity of Wisconsin – MadisonDietetics and Life Sciences Communications

What is public health?It is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals."

“People pay for survival. They do not pay to be healthy.”

Survival Fishing Food Labor Large family

Health Malaria Multivitamins Education Contraceptives

The Health Care System• National hospital• Regional hospital• District hospital• Health center IV• Health center III• Health center II• Health center

I/VHTs

Village Health Team

VHTs vs. Health Center II, III, and IV

VHTs are volunteers They know the

community best Specifically trained and

can make referrals

Clinics and labs Nurses, midwives,

clinical officers, lab technicians, medical doctors, etc.

#1 goal is maternal health

Challenges:• Sanitation

• Transportation

• Infrastructure

• Funding and lack of supplies and resources

• Corruption

• Cultural barriers

VHTs vs. Transportation

Stationed in every villageKnow their community and its members very

wellEspecially trained to help with mobilization

and educationCan recommend how to get the help the

village needs without going to the doctors“Bring the health center to the community”

Transportation: Various Costs

Boda-boda ride to a health center in Mukono:2,000 UGX = 0.70 USD

Monthly salary of a primary school teacher in Lweza:4300,000 UGX = 149.57 USD

One tomato in Mukono:1,000 UGX = 0.35 USD

Sanitation: Drinking Water

Sanitation: Appropriate Technology

Centre (ATC)• Sanitation: household

level• Combat open

defecation in rural areas

• Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)• Water Sanitation

and Hygiene (WASH) practices

Demo gardensSweet potato, tomato, cassava, millet, maize, mango, papaya,

matooke, beans, etc.

Our turn!—Public Health

in ActionSac gardens

• Tomatoes• Onions• Lettuce

“Health is not treating. If you are treating patients, then you’ve failed the health system. Health facilities that are full of patients are failing

the health system.”– Dr. Tulwagaruka John