In the journey toward universal health coverage, bridging the gap between communities and health facilities is essential. The USAID/ICARE Activity has made significant progress in this area by establishing robust community structures within health facilities across several the districts where ICARE operates. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer, particularly in reducing missed care opportunities and ensuring that more people receive the healthcare they need when they need it. The impact has been especially notable in districts like Mukono, Buikwe, and Kayunga, where the strengthened connections between communities and healthcare providers are making a substantial difference.

Building Bridges: Establishing Community Structures

ICARE recognized the need for a stronger connection between communities and the health facilities that serve them to improve health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This recognition led to the establishment of community structures within health facilities—a strategy designed to foster collaboration, communication, and accountability.

These community structures include community health workers (CHWs), peer educators, and village health teams (VHTs) who work closely with health facility staff to identify and follow up with individuals at risk of missing care. By integrating these community-based teams into the health facility environment, ICARE has created a system where care is more continuous, accessible, and tailored to the specific needs of each community.

The Impact: Reducing Missed Care Opportunities

The establishment of these community structures has had a profound impact on reducing missed care opportunities. In Mukono, for example, CHWs have been instrumental in tracking down individuals who have missed their appointments or defaulted on their treatment. Through home visits, phone calls, and community meetings, these workers ensure that patients are re-engaged with the health system before their condition deteriorates.

In Buikwe, peer educators have played a critical role in HIV care, particularly in supporting individuals living with HIV to adhere to their treatment regimens. Their efforts have led to a significant reduction in the number of people who drop out of care, contributing to better health outcomes and a higher rate of viral load suppression in the district.

Kayunga has also seen remarkable success, particularly in maternal and child health. VHTs in the district are trained to identify pregnant women and ensure they attend antenatal visits, deliver in health facilities, and receive postnatal care. This has led to a decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates, as more women and children receive timely and appropriate care.

The establishment of community structures within health facilities has proven to be a powerful strategy in reducing missed care opportunities and improving health outcomes. The positive outcomes in Mukono, Buikwe, and Kayunga are a testament to the effectiveness of community-facility linkages. As ICARE continues to expand this approach, more Ugandans will experience the benefits of a healthcare system that is deeply connected to the communities it serves.