The Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) through its Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Community Health, organized a two-day Quarterly Continuing Medical Education (CME) Workshop at Adit Mall in Mbarara on Thursday, May 02 2024, and Friday, May 03, 2024. 
The workshop, themed “Basic Diagnosis and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the primary health care level”.A total of 20 health facilities were trained including; Kibiito HC IV, Kisomoro HC III, Kyamuhunga HC III, Kyabugimbi HC IV, Bwindi Community Hospital, Ishongoro HC IV, Nyakitunda HC III, Ruhiira HC III, Rugarama Hospital, Kamuganguzi HC III, Buhara HC III Bukuuku HC IV, Rukunyu Hospital Bugoye HC III, Rukoki HC III, Lwengo HC IV, Kagongi HC III, Muko HC IV, Rugazi HC IV, and Mparo HC IV.
Ms. Eleanor Turyakira, Head of the Community Health Department, inaugurated the training, expressing gratitude to participants for prioritizing this event amidst their busy schedules. She emphasized the significance of the training in enhancing health service delivery at primary healthcare facilities. Urging attendees to actively engage for mutual improvement. Additionally, she commended the First Mile Community Health Program team, led by Professor Edgar Mugema Mulogo for orchestrating this platform, fostering knowledge exchange among primary healthcare providers and senior colleagues at MUST.
The workshop extensively covered fundamental aspects of diagnosing and managing noncommunicable diseases at primary health care facilities, including Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Gastrointestinal Diseases (Peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer), kidney diseases, and respiratory assessment and diseases. Specialists from the Department of Internal Medicine at MUST facilitated the training sessions.
Dr. Grace Kansiime, the Head Internal Medicine Department lauded the workshop format, highlighting its efficacy in educating a broad spectrum of healthcare workers simultaneously. She emphasized that participants not only acquire skills and knowledge but also disseminate these insights among their peers, fostering better identification, management, referral, and follow-up of clients with chronic non-communicable diseases at the community level.
Dr. Peter Chris Kawungezi, the program coordinator of the First Mile Community Health Program underscored the uniqueness of this initiative, emphasizing its role in augmenting MUST’s capacity in health service delivery within its catchment area. “This successful CME workshop reflects MUST’s dedication to providing ongoing professional development opportunities, ultimately enhancing patient care in combating NCDs”.
Dr. Jonans Tusiimire, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, commended the Internal Medicine Department and its team for their timely organization of the training, particularly amidst the escalating burden of non-communicable diseases. He extended appreciation to the Department of Community Health and the First Mile Community Health Program for facilitating such invaluable opportunities for primary healthcare providers. However, he emphasized the need for careful consideration of the level of care provided, acknowledging the role of the First Mile Community Health Program in upholding the core mandates of the Faculty of Medicine, including training, research, community service, and innovation. Furthermore, Dr. Jonans advocated for extended training durations exceeding the current two-day workshops, stressing the importance of continuous upskilling in the medical profession.
