Village health teams improve Lwamata Health Centre III health awareness
Reports reaching New Vision Online indicate that the collaboration has driven record numbers of residents to seek critical medical checkups.
A health worker attending to a mothers and his child at Lwamata Health Centre III in Kiboga district. (Photos by Wilfred Sanya)
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A collaboration between the Rotary Club of Nakasero Central and Lwamata Health Centre III in Kiboga district has revitalised health awareness in Lwamata sub-county.
Reports reaching New Vision Online indicate that the collaboration has driven record numbers of residents to seek critical medical checkups.
The initiative, spearheaded by Village Health Teams (VHTs), has transformed community engagement, with more families accessing services like polio immunisation, cancer screenings, and HIV/AIDS testing, all while reducing reliance on costly private clinics.
A community transformed through awareness
Rotary Club President James Agaba said VHTs have been instrumental in mobilising the community.
“The surge in patients seeking care is a testament to their tireless outreach,” he said during the recent Polio immunisation campaign launch.
Since partnering with the health centre in 2019, Rotary has supported infrastructure upgrades, including beds, mattresses, and staff housing, which catalysed the construction of new facilities.
Agaba said the 10-year strategic plan launched in 2021, aimed at boosting health, education and economic opportunities.
Gastafas Nyenje, a laboratory technician (left) takes members of the Rotary Club of Nakasero to some of the staff houses at the new facilities at Lwamata Health Centre III in Kiboga district.
However, the partnership’s latest milestone, a delayed Polio Month campaign in November, expanded services to include diabetes and cancer screenings, alongside health education talks.
“We prioritised elderly patients from remote areas, ensuring equitable access,” he said.
Health facility’s growth and challenges
Noah Luwazagga, in charge of Lwamata Health Centre III, thanked the government for the new buildings, addressing the growing population.
However, he said, delays in equipping the facilities due to 'budget constraints meant we couldn’t install essential tools, but the VHTs’ awareness campaigns kept turnout high.”
The health centre now aims to handle 500 births monthly, a leap from its previous 10, once new structures are fully operational.
Luwazagga also celebrated the “Rotary Health and Nutrition Garden”, a 1,000-tree initiative providing fruit and commercial crops, which doubles as a symbol of community resilience.
Gastafas Nyenje, a laboratory technician, said there is a surge in antenatal visits and praised the availability of test results and medication on-site.
“Patients no longer need to buy drugs elsewhere,” he said.
Moses Mugalu, a patient, said the centre is “the best in the area” for its friendly staff and affordable care.
“We pray God improves their salaries so they can serve us even better,” he added.
Beyond health, Rotary’s support for Magale Bright Future Primary School has reduced student dropout rates by cutting travel distances. Agaba emphasised that integrating health, education, and economic initiatives—like tree farming—creates lasting change.