PSI launches health services network

By Patrick Jaramogi

A RURAL community-based network aimed at intensifying the distribution of health services, has been launched.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with population Services International (PSI), launched Rural Empowerment and Action for Communities (REACt) at Ridar Hotel in Seeta on Thursday. PSI is a social marketing and health communications NGO.

PSI Uganda country representative Rodio Diallo said the operation would begin in the five districts of Mityana, Hoima, Mubende, Sironko and Bushenyi.
The assistant commissioner of health services, Paul Kaggwa, said the initiative would compliment the work already being done by the Ministry of Health.

Addressing over 50 health workers drawn from the five districts, Kaggwa said, “If this network works hand-in-hand with the village health teams, then its potential is unlimited.

“We need to work hard at harnessing this potential by pooling resources and capacity to ensure that our rural communities receive accurate and valuable health information.”

Diallo said PSI has community sensitisation as one of its core areas of specialisation. “We are continuously looking to improve our work and over the years we have come to appreciate that working with organisations that already have established linkages within the community is the most effective approach to take.”