Strategic Health Management Information System (HMIS)

IDI continues to train and mentor health workers in IDI-supported health facilities on the proper utilization of MoH/HMIS tools. IDI ensures that tools are readily available, correctly utilised and all reports are completed and submitted on time to the district local government and the Ministry of Health (MoH). Data integration across supported districts/health facilities has been supported by IDI with the aim of ensuring a single system based on the MoH/HMIS data collection and reporting format. New unique patient numbers have been assigned, files are now logically arranged in suspenders for easy retrieval and new HMIS registers have been rewritten. In addition, through the provision of computers and internet connections, the districts are now able to report and order for their logistics from the central national warehouses in a timely manner which minimizes stock outs.

Supply Chain Management

IDI has provided technical support to all supported health facilities to enable them to use the existing MoH-National Medical Stores supply chain system to support requisition for their medicine and lab supplies. All the facilities have been provided with equipment and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to facilitate attainment of acceptable standards of good dispensing practice.

Strengthening Laboratory Services/ Hubs

IDI has established a network of reference laboratories in Kampala and the Midwestern region, as well as basic laboratories at high volume sites, to improve the quality of health service delivery; as well as support emergency obstetric care and other patient support diagnostic services. A robust sample transportation system has been developed around the hubs of the reference laboratories, linked to the national hub system, to link all the health facilities with functional health services. Additionally, IDI has supported renovation and refurbishment of health facility laboratories in line with the standards of the WHO-Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation (SLMTA) Programme. Some of the renovated laboratories at Kiboga and Kagadi hospitals are now model laboratories for training and research.

Community Sensitisation

With support from Community Based Organizations (CBOs), IDI has engaged Village Health Teams (VHTs) to mobilise community groups to talk to them about HIV/AIDS, HCT, family planning and PMTCT etc. IDI has distributed information, education and communication (IEC) materials (fliers and posters) with relevant information, screened film shows, staged drama shows, conducted radio talk shows and supported radio spots. These interventions are aimed at increasing community demand for health services.

Technical Assistance

Through its health system strengthening approach, and in line with the Outreach Programme goal, IDI uses experienced technical teams to provide both onsite and distance support to the supported districts, in all supported technical areas. IDI also provides technical assistance support to other notable organisations and government institutions such as the USAID-funded Strengthening Decentralisation for Sustainability (SDS) Program, the Central Public Health Laboratory (part of the Ugandan Ministry of Health) and the Ministry of Health of Swaziland, among other partners.