From December 18- 20, 2023 the department of community health, Faculty of Medicine at MUST, under the Global Health Collaborative, held a training at Tuzza Hotel in Bushenyi.
This was in relation to Evidence-Based Planning (EBP). Healthcare workers from 14 South Western Ugandan districts attended the training and were equipped with the tools and knowledge to become architects of a healthier future for their communities. The training provided participants with in-depth knowledge on tools and knowledge to translate data into action, paving the way for community-focused healthcare solutions.
The trainers included experts from the different Community health units and these included: Assoc. Prof. Edgar Mulogo, Dr. Bagenda Fred, Dr. Brian Turigye, Dr. Fancis Mugabi and Dr. Peter kawungezi.
Associate Professor Edgar Mulogo kicked off the training with a powerful session on the essence of EBP, urging participants to leverage their data collection and analysis expertise to develop impactful plans with their communities at heart. This resonated deeply with the diverse group representing 14 districts, held lively discussions, dissecting their communities’ top health concerns and crafting strategic solutions to address them.
The training also tackled bottleneck analysis, meticulously dissecting the barriers hindering optimal healthcare delivery in their regions. With new found skills and unwavering determination, this dedicated group transformed from observers of challenges to proactive agents of change, ready to make a difference in their communities.
The intensity of the program triggered the participants to a design thinking session, which brought them together to think about practice scenarios. Together, they identified and tackled their most pressing health issues, in accordance to the group discussion flow.
The impact of this initiative promises to extend far beyond the training room. With their newfound EBP skills, these healthcare workers are now empowered to lead the change towards a healthier South Western Uganda. Their dedicated efforts, fueled by data-driven insights and community engagement, hold the potential to significantly improve healthcare access, delivery, and ultimately, outcomes for countless individuals across the region.
On behalf of the mentees, Dr. Bampabwire Geoffrey medical officer from Rubanda District appreciated the mentors from MUST. He urged his colleagues to Implement what they have learnt during the training. “This training was an eye-opener, I Learnt how to translate data into actionable insights. This will allow us to advocate for and implement solutions that truly address the specific needs of our communities. Let us go put into practice what has been taught “.
“We are incredibly proud to see this dedicated group of healthcare workers equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities,” said Dr. Fred Bagenda. “The EBP approach has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery in South Western Uganda, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions for a healthier future.”
With 42 participants representing diverse districts like Mbarara, Kabale, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri, the training promises to have a significant impact across the region.
Mbarara University of Science and Technology is proud to support initiatives like this, empowering healthcare professionals to become proactive agents of change and drive positive healthcare transformations within their communities.