SIMPSON M
Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Nyarushanje Subcounty, Rukungiri District, are calling on the government to include them on the monthly payroll to enhance their motivation and improve service delivery.
These temporary health workers, who play a crucial role in community health, currently serve without pay. Their appeal was made during a one-day orientation workshop at Ruyonza Health Centre II in Ruyonza Parish. The training focused on how to properly fill registers and compile reports every three months.
Rwakaagi Sempa, the VHT coordinator for Ruyonza, and Pauson Biryomumisho Kajere emphasized that VHTs act as the government’s eyes and ears in the health sector, reaching areas where government services are limited. However, they lamented that their work remains unfacilitated, making it difficult to execute their duties effectively.
They noted that conducting house-to-house visits is financially straining, as they often use their own resources to serve their communities. Even basic expenses, such as photocopying documents for reports, come from their pockets. They, therefore, urged the government to either place them on the payroll or provide them with allowances to support their work.
Silvia Tuhiirigwe, the Women’s Councilor for Ruyonza Parish, acknowledged the immense contribution of VHTs, describing them as essential workers who reach areas where others cannot. She encouraged VHTs to engage their local leaders, including councilors, to advocate for their concerns at various levels of government.
She also urged them to continue serving diligently and called on community members to support and cooperate with VHTs to ensure effective service delivery.
Muzoora Godwil, the Health Inspector for Nyarushanje Subcounty, highlighted the critical role of VHTs in local health service management. Their responsibilities include home visits, health education, managing common illnesses, and following up on pregnant mothers.
He explained that VHTs submit reports every three months, and the recent workshop was aimed at training them on proper reporting procedures.
Godwil appealed to the public to respect and support VHTs, emphasizing that their work contributes to cleaner homes and healthier communities. While he acknowledged that VHTs are not currently on the government payroll, he assured them that the government recognizes their efforts and has future plans for them.
