27th November, 2007
DFID minister praises AMREF's work in northern Uganda as a model to be replicated
Douglas Alexander, the UK’s Secretary of State for International Development, took time out from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Uganda to visit AMREF’s work in northern Uganda. He visited Pagak displaced people’s camp in Amuru district where AMREF is providing clean water and training community members in health and hygiene. This is part of a DFID funded project, channeled through UNICEF, that is benefiting 190,000 people living in camps in Gulu, Kitum. Pader and Amuru districts.
During his trip to Uganda, Douglas Alexander announced a new ten year development partnership with Uganda worth at least £700 million in aid over the next ten years. He said: “This year, at least £15 million will be used to meet the humanitarian needs in northern Uganda, which is still recovering after years of conflict. Today I have visited a camp for people displaced by the conflict and seen for myself the challenges that remain to ensure that people can access basic water and sanitation and have enough to eat.”
The Secretary of State also saw for himself a motorised water supply system built by AMREF that provides clean water for 5,000 people. He was so impressed by this water system, whose pump is powered by solar panels, that he urged such systems be scaled-up and replicated in other communities in northern Uganda and elsewhere.
Walude Mtwalib, AMREF’s programme manager in northern Uganda, explained to the secretary of state how the motorised water system works, and how it is managed by a water committee, elected by community members: “AMREF is working with this committee to prepare them to effectively manage the system before we hand it over to the local authorities,” he explained. The committee has already enacted byelaws to improve the services the water system offers and these are visibly displayed on the different tap points. This is all part of AMREF’s strategy to engage communities in their own development and to increase the capacity of local authorities to provide better services.
Joshua Kyallo, AMREF Uganda’s country director, said: “We are delighted that the UK’s Secretary of State for International Development has visited this important project, which highlights that we can achieve long-term community development in post-conflict situations. We are grateful for the support so far from DFID and applaud their long-term commitment to reducing poverty in this country.”
The Secretary of State also met a team of community health workers, including community vaccinators trained by AMREF. A spokesperson for the group highlighted the challenges they face in striving to provide effective health care. These included lack of transport, irregular supply of drugs, and lack of adequate support supervision due to a shortage of health workers. Currently in Amuru District only 34% of the necessary health posts have been filled, but recruitment is planned which will increase the enrolment of health workers to 66% of the district’s required staffing norms.
The spokesperson highlighted the particular need for more community health workers and refresher training courses. Walude Mwtalib said: “Training and continued support for community health workers who provide more than 80% of primary health care is an important priority for AMREF, especially as communities will be returning back to their homes where there is inadequate health care services. We hope that substantial funds can be set aside for continuing to build an efficient team of community health workers.”