Kigezi Sub-region’s Rubanda District has been ranked the top in the region and fourth nationwide for its exceptional healthcare services.
The announcement was made by Dr. Patrick Tusiime, the Commissioner of the Department of Communicable Diseases, Prevention, and Control within the Ministry of Health. He made the announcement during the concluding session of the Kigezi Regional Joint Review Mission (JRM) yesterday, held at the National Teachers College in Kabale Municipality. The overarching theme of this JRM was “Invigorating Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; My Role, Your Role, Our Roles.”
According to the latest annual health sector performance report for the Financial Year 2021/22, Rubanda District scored a total of 80.2%, which was significantly higher than the scores of its neighboring districts. Kabale District came in 11th place with a score of 78.2%, Rukiga District was in 12th place with a score of 77.5%, Rukungiri was in 23rd place with a score of 75.7%, Kanungu was in 58th place with a score of 69.8%, and Kisoro was in 60th place with a score of 69.4%.
Dr. Tusiime explained that the district rankings in the health sector were determined by evaluating the effectiveness of disease prevention, the promotion of general health, and the quality of curative services offered within healthcare facilities across the entirety of each district.
The driving force behind Rubanda District’s outstanding achievement is attributed to the visionary strategy implemented by Dr. Abdon Birungi, the Rubanda District Health Officer. Dr. Birungi took on this role in 2018 and has since prioritized health promotion and disease prevention.
Dr. Birungi explained that his healthcare team recognized that the bulk of disease burdens originated from local communities. This realization prompted them to engage in community sensitization initiatives aimed at improving health at the household level. Their efforts also aimed to alleviate congestion at healthcare facilities and empower community members with the knowledge and awareness necessary to seek healthcare services from designated health center points.
The success of Rubanda District’s healthcare system is a testament to the importance of community-based health promotion and disease prevention. It is also a reminder that investing in healthcare is an investment in the future of our communities.