Given the compensation for a community health worker (CHW) is not enough to support a family of three children, Ms. Prossy Muyingo also works as a hairdresser. But her second job supports the first—long braiding sessions are the perfect opportunity to educate her clients on vaccination, reproductive health, and disease prevention.
Ms. Muyingo became a health worker after finding village services in her hometown in Uganda, could not provide enough support for her son, diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. In choosing her field, she decided to concentrate on the most underserved communities, wanting to improve their health and well-being.
Through her work over years of providing vital services, Ms Muyingo has built deep-rooted relationships and is grateful for the trust her community places in her. Her commitment has not gone unnoticed, earning her admiration from both her neighbors and fellow CHWs worldwide.
Guided by the belief that women should have the autonomy to make informed choices about their health, she educates young women on reproductive health, including options for contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted disease. She gives essential malaria, diarrhea, and pneumonia treatments to children under five, offers pregnant and new mothers vaccination and antenatal counseling and organizes referrals and follow ups.
“I am the first beneficiary of my work,” Ms. Muyingo confidently asserts, emphasizing her deep appreciation for the constant learning and growth opportunities it provides. She understands the importance of expanding her knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality and comprehensive health services.
Her care extends to her peers. She recognizes the importance of continuous learning and capacity building, mentoring, and sharing her knowledge and experience with fellow community health workers. She has contributed her expertise and first-hand knowledge to the development of an online advocacy training course for CHWs, benefiting thousands of women across the African region.
Ms. Muyingo is a strong advocate for fair pay and decent working conditions for all community health workers. “It’s time for policymakers to think about us. We need to be fairly compensated, properly equipped and continuously trained”.
Her influential voice has reached a wider audience through engagements such as a podcast series with Johnson & Johnson, Global Health Open mic events, and advocating for her peers in relevant global health forums such as the African Health Agenda International Conference.
She believes those in charge need to acknowledge and understand the integral role CHWs play in bridging the gap between the healthcare system and the most vulnerable populations.
“You can rely on community health workers, we know what we are doing. We know the community better than anyone. Here is where we live, where we stay, and where we work through our lived experiences. When you pay community health workers you support the whole community.”
