The CSC is delighted to present the next case study in our ongoing series demonstrating the impact of Commonwealth Alumni.
This case study features John Bosco Tumuhairwe, a promoter and researcher of public health for Uganda’s vulnerable and rural population, who has an unwavering commitment to advocate for a stigma-free community. John Bosco sought the opportunity to study in the UK to help him become an effective healthcare champion and researcher. With an MSc in Public Health Promotion from Leeds Beckett University, John has enhanced his understanding of healthcare challenges, honed research skills, and developed an effective toolkit for working with communities to advocate good health.
John reflects that the Commonwealth Scholarship enabled him to acquire knowledge and skills in public health and health promotion that he did not have before.
‘I’m advancing on that skill of writing proposals for grants that could help me extend health promotion services to people in the communities where I come from…I learnt about advocacy, especially how to advocate for the rights of those marginalised in the community and at more risk of ill health…I learnt how to work with communities to create awareness and promote health.’
Upon completing his studies in the UK, John worked with Integrated Community Based Initiatives (ICOBI) on projects that exerted national and local influence. He investigated the role of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in HIV care services in Sheema District, Uganda, demonstrating the importance of having CHEWs as paid workers to address the personnel shortage in healthcare services. These findings led to the incorporation of CHEWs in Ministry of Health structures in Uganda and a national programme recruiting CHEWs to serve at every parish level in the county.
Besides the CHEWs project, John managed the ‘Community Health Plan for All’ (CHPFA), which aimed to introduce health insurance to Uganda’s rural districts where it is largely absent. His work has significantly impacted the community, with continuous sensitisation, leading to a growing awareness of importance of health insurance and its increased uptake. The project successfully enrolled 6,228 beneficiaries across four districts. Furthermore, one of the health facility partners was inspired by the project to initiate an even bigger health insurance project.
John also secured funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to oversee HIV prevention and care initiative among key populations in the southwestern district of Abanda, Uganda. The team collaborated with the local government, district health office, and community leaders to reach over 3,000 people, particularly key populations. They received targeted HIV and TB screening, and over 300 were linked to care services. The initiative also increased awareness of the community about vulnerable groups who became more visible and accepted by the community.
John presenting his PhD research at the University of Worcester in June 2023.
Additionally, John has been motivated to pursue a PhD based on his previous experience obtaining a Master’s degree in the UK. Currently, he is a second-year PhD student at the University of Worcester, focusing on the stigma surrounding dementia patients who live in Extra Care Housing. Recognising the existing gap in research of stigma in healthcare for dementia patients, John is dedicated to utilising the awareness, knowledge, and skills he gained during his Master’s programme to contribute to the field through further research.
John’s work contributes to two of the CSC’s development themes: strengthening health systems and capacity and access, inclusion and opportunity. Furthermore, John is also working to address multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals. These include SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
