In a bid to professionalize the community health system, the government, through the Ministry of Health, has launched a training of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in the eight districts of Uganda.

These include; Bukedea, Bunyangabu, Kakumiro, Kalungu, Kassanda, Kisoro, Mbale and Mitooma districts.

As part of the training, the Ministry noted that each CHEW will be equipped with a bicycle to facilitate transportation, a smart phone to collate and share data from the communities on various health indicators, a blood pressure machine, a glucometer to measure blood sugar levels, MUAC tape for nutrition, a pair of gumboots and a jacket for identification.

“This is part of the government’s commitment to strengthen community health at the parish level,” MoH said.

In June 2025, the Ministry of Health passed out 202 CHEWS, to boost community health in Luwero District.

The training commenced in January 2025 and lasted until June 2025, after a community selection of 2 community members per Parish in Luwero District.

According to the Permanent Secretary of MoH, Diana Atwine, the CHEWS are recruited to monitor community health- related issues, link communities to health centers and maintain sanitation of the communities to reduce numbers at health centers.

Other districts that have received training of CHEWS include Kyotera and Lwengo.