Challenges faced by village health teams in delivery of primary Health care in Kibiga sub-county, Kiboga district

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.