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Stakeholders in Maracha have pledged full support towards the establishment of community health extension workers’ strategy (CHEWs) in the communities in the District.

The districts of Maracha and Koboko are the only ones selected in the West Nile region to benefit from the second pilot phase of the CHEWs programme.

Stakeholders in the health ministry said the programme is a game changer of real health indicators among community members.

Under the programme, Maracha, in particular, is expected to identify 182 community health extension workers from 91 parishes of the district with at least two extension workers per parish.

The programme under the Global Fund will also cater for the facilitation of the identified extension workers who should have completed O'Level of education.

The identified 182 extension workers will undergo a six-month training within the district before resuming work in the communities.

Dr Alfred Driwale, the assistant commissioner in charge of vaccines and immunsation at the health ministry, on Monday, told district leaders during an orientation meeting that the communities should be comfortable with the selected extension workers.



Dr Ronald Ocatre Miria, who is in charge of the programme from the health ministry, assured the stakeholders of ready funds and the commitment of the partners to ensuring the success of the programme.



Maracha district secretary for social services, Dicky Alema welcomed the programme, saying it has come at a time the district is grappling with resource constraints to address community livelihood challenges.



Maracha Resident District Commissioner Capt. Buga Matata Yassin warned against sabotage of such programmes that are intended to benefit the communities.