13/04/2026
๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ: ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก: ๐๐๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ ๐
๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ
In many peri-urban communities in Iganga District, health-seeking behaviour is strongly influenced by cultural beliefs. Illness is sometimes attributed to spiritual causes such as witchcraft rather than medical conditions. This perception can delay individuals from seeking timely testing and treatment, particularly for conditions like HIV.
During a routine community engagement activity, in Namunkesu parish, Namungalwe subcounty, Namaganda Mariam, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW), encountered a distressed Nambatya. Nambatya, a 22-year-old female, believed her worsening illness was caused by witchcraft from her co-wife. Like many others in her community, she interpreted her symptoms through a cultural lens rather than a medical one.
Recognising the sensitivity of the situation, the CHEW listened patiently and acknowledged Nambatyaโs fears instead of dismissing her beliefs. Through respectful dialogue, Mariam gently introduced a medical explanation and encouraged her to visit Namungalwe HC III, a nearby health facility for testing. To ensure she accessed services, Mariam personally accompanied her to the facility. There, Nambatya underwent HIV testing and was diagnosed positive. She received treatment literacy (what HIV is, the importance of starting and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and how treatment can lead to viral suppression and a healthy life).
โThrough patience, respect, and trust, the CHEW Mariam helped Nambatya move beyond fear and take the first step towards lifesaving HIV care.โ
With support from the CHEW, Nambatya began ART. This intervention demonstrates how CHEWs help overcome stigma, myths, and misinformation by building trust within communities. In her own words, โShe did not laugh at what I believed. She listenedโand helped me to see if there could be another reason for my illness.โ
CHEW Mariam later collaborated with health workers at Namungalwe HC III to organise an integrated outreach in Namunkesi Parish, reaching 220 people with health services. By identifying individuals at risk, encouraging testing, and linking clients to care, CHEWs are strengthening community-based HIV case finding and ensuring that more people access lifesaving treatment.
Ministry of Health- Uganda
