Role of Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Public Health-Uganda

Background: THETA Uganda is a health NGO working in communities in Uganda implementing health activities. The organization uses community lay persons (VHTs) in empowering the communities to take in the decisions that affect their health; mobilize communities for health programs, and strengthen the delivery of health services through referral and linkage at house-hold level. Method THETA Uganda enrolled and trained 5,082 Community Lay Persons in the 17 districts of Uganda. The criteria for selecting these VHTs was; Traditional Birth Attendants, Traditional Healers, Sengas and Kojjas (Aunts and Uncles), and Local Council Chairpersons. These are based at village level. 700 VHTs were enrolled and trained. These are based at sub county level and take the responsibility of supervising the VHTs. The criteria for selecting VHTs include someone who is; Health worker and Community Development officers. The VHTs reach the community through Home visits, Community dialogue with targeted messages. Through this the VHTs refer the identified people to the health facility for different services. Result At least 4/10 people who reach the health centre are referred by the VHTs. Pregnant mothers go early for ANC and this has contributed much the PMTCT program in Uganda. Male involvement has also increased in the areas of HIV tests, ANC as well as reproductive health. Children of the age 10 to 24 have benefited ABC package more especially those still in school. Conclusion Involving community lay persons in public health is very important since they play a key role in public health promotion.