| dc.description.abstract | This study was about challenges faced by village health teams (VHTs) in delivery primary
healthcare (PHC) in Kibiga Sub-county, Kiboga District. The main objective of the study was
to systematically explore various constraints encountered by VHTs in delivering PHC in
Kibiga Sub-county, Kiboga District.
The study was qualitative in nature and it identified various challenges faced by VHTs in
PHC delivery within Kibiga Sub-county. The study was also cross-sectional and data was
collected using in-depth face to face interviews with VHTs and VHT coordinators, Focus
Group Discussions with VHTs and Women of Kibiga and Kakoola Villages as well as Key
Informant interviews with in-charges and staff at Kikwatambogo HCII.
The study identified three common diseases that exist in Kibiga Sub-county namely, malaria,
diarrhoea, cough and flue. The study found out that VHTs in Kibiga Sub-county played
several roles in PHC delivery among which are; linking communities to health facilities,
home visiting, health education, following-up pregnant mothers and families with children
below the age of five, treating common childhood illnesses, mobilising and sensitizing
communities, reporting, referring people to health facilities, collecting health information,
distributing health commodities.
In performing these roles, VHTs in Kibiga faced several challenges, which were identified in
this study. These include: poor motivation, lack of supplies and job aids, lack of transport
means, lack of recognition, high expectations from community members, lack of political
support and disrespect among community members. The above challenges limit VHTs from
operating at their optimal capacity.
The study recommends adequate facilitation to motivate VHTs, regular supply of drugs and
job aids, provision of simple transport means like bicycles, provision of identification
materials and mobilising communities to support VHTs. | en_US |
