USAID To Enhance Services In South Western Uganda

Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in Southwestern Uganda (USAID RHITES SW) is a five-year, $60 million project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The project uses a data-driven and integrated approach to increase the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services including HIV and TB prevention, HIV care and treatment; maternal, neonatal, and child health; family planning; nutrition; VMMC; malaria treatment; and other primary care services in 15 districts in the southwest region of Uganda including; Mbarara, Isingiro, Buhweju, Ibanda, Kiruhura, Sheema, Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Ntungamo, Mitooma, Kabale, Rubanda,  Kisoro, Rukiga,Kanungu and Rukungiri .

The project is implemented by a consortium of organizations including Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics Foundation (EGPAF) the lead agency responsible for overall management and implementation. Other partners include Uganda Health Marketing Group (UHMG) and Amref Health Africa (AMREF). Mayanja Memorial Hospital Foundation (MMHF) is responsible for community empowerment, mobilization, establishing and strengthening referrals and linkages within and between communities and health facilities.

USAID RHITES SW project provides technical support to enhance quality of health services, through supporting integrated health platforms, strengthening health systems, and building local capacity at the district and community levels. Sustainability of these health services is supported through training and mentoring programs at local and district health facilities. The project also seeks to expand access to HIV treatment and prevention services for adolescents, young women & Girls, and other key populations who are at increased risk for HIV infection.

The USAID RHITES SW project continues to learn from and build upon the successes of previous projects including “Strengthening the TB and HIV/AIDS Response in the Southwest Region of Uganda project (USAID STAR-SW, 2010- 2015)” as well as continuous collaboration, adapting and learning from promising practices of local and other global partners.

Key interventions and early results

  • VHT training and empowerment
  • Community resilience
  • PLHIV participation and empowerment
  • Youth and adolescents