By Filimin Niyongabo, Grace Biyinzika Lubega and Joviah Gonza, MakSPH
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have increasingly become common in not only developed but also developing countries. Over time, there has been an increasing burden of NCDs in Uganda and these have been related to a number of risk factors, some of which include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco and alcohol use among others. Common NCDs in Ugandan communities today include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and others.
In order to enhance the capacity of communities to prevent and control NCDs, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, Wakiso District Local Government and the Ministry of Health, with support from the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) as part of the NTU QR GCRF allocations 2019/20, trained 620 community health workers (CHWs), who are commonly known as Village Health Teams (VHTs), on NCDs. The training emphasized distinguishing between communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as causes, risk factors, prevention and control of NCDs. The training also included sharing of past experiences regarding common NCDs, pre and post assessment exercises, and a certificate awarding ceremony. VHTs trained included those from Busiro South health sub-district (Bussi and Zzinga Islands, Kasanje Town council, Kajjansi Town Council, and Katabi Town Council), and Entebbe Municipality.
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