ACCESS Uganda

AFRICAN COMMUNITY CENTER FOR SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY (ACCESS) IMPACT AND RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Every year, ACCESS focuses its attention on improving the activities in the areas of support for orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs), medical care, education, Nursing and Midwifery training, family planning provision, Innovative and, Implementation research, global health exchanges, and human resource development.

ACCESS comprises of seven (7) department whose mandate is to work within the organization strategies to enable the organization achieve its mission and vision, the organization’s departments include; (i) Community department with the project such as Dreamgirl project, Preschool project, Elderly (Jajja) project, Nano finance project, water project, and Lighting project, (ii) International coordination and engagements, (iii) ACCESS data Management (iv) Finance department, (v) ACCESS Lifecare Clinic this includes projects such as family planning project and Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) Project, (vi) ACCESS School of Nursing and Midwifery (vii) Project and Administration. It is through these departments that the organization implements its research projects, implementation research projects, and other programs.

Like many other organizations, the outbreak of COVID – 19 pandemic disrupted the scheduled annual work plans for the organization. The national precautionary measures that targeted to curb the spread of the virus such as total lockdown of community activities, suspension of both inland and international travels, halting of school activities, and the total lockdown of the entire country by the president of the Republic of Uganda disproportionately affected the organization.

Following the national interim guideline for sustained delivery of essential health services in the context of COVID – 19 issued by the Ministry of Health Uganda, the organization managed to maintain delivery of both static and community health services working with Nakaseke district authorities. The ACCESS Lifecare clinic continued providing services to people in the community while observing all the necessary precautions. Our community health team were trained and equipped to manage the spread of the virus and were at the forefront working with ACCESS and Nakaseke district COVID – 19 taskforces to deliver community services that included community education about COVID – 19, distribution of COVID – 19 IEC materials and delivery of family planning services.

During this devastating period, the organization managed to continue supporting 500 OVCs, 50 elderly people, 275 nursing and midwifery students, 63 preschool children, supported 105 women, conducted 1,188 laboratory tests, 1080 immunization visits, and our clinic registered 16,847 patient visits including family planning clients and continued with the construction of the preschool block. In a bid to keep the ACCESS supported children with learning activities during the pandemic, we managed to distribute 84 radio sets to homes with students to access radio learning. We distributed food packages to 100 homes and provided fast-growing vegetable seedling to 60 families.

COVID – 19 Response

With 889 cases in Uganda by 30^th June 2020, COVID 19 is posing a threat to Uganda’s health system, delivery of essential health services, and the wellbeing of our communities. ACCESS advocated for essential actions at district and community levels to save lives. We were proactive in shaping our response based on current best practices from the World Health Organization and the Uganda Ministry of Health.

Our response is focused on the following goals; protecting health workers, interrupting the spread of the virus, maintaining essential health services, and shielding the most vulnerable from socioeconomic shocks.

District Response

1. ACCESS worked with Nakaseke district taskforce and supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) to 100 community health workers that helped to educate and distribute 7,838 Information educational and communication (IEC) materials through the house to house visit in the community. During the period of total lockdown, our trained community health workers (CHWs) distributed 18,141 condoms, 435 pills, 3,576 injectables and referred 2,078 women for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and 18 women and men on permanent family planning (FP) methods that included 14 female sterilization and 4 male sterilization services which helped to reduce unplanned pregnancies and subsequently reducing the likelihood of violence in the community.
2. We supported the office of district health educator (DHE) to communicate COVID -19 guidelines and precautions to the public through the weekly radio talks (12) and aggregate feedback from the public through our toll-free number and community health workers. Over 200,000 people from the area of the great Luweero triangle were reached with the messages.

Community Response

1. We trained and provided personal protective equipment (PPE) to our health workers who were tasked with supporting screening at the facility and conducting community – based rapid testing once permitted.
2. We spearheaded the distribution of facemasks to our beneficiaries and sensitization on COVID – 19 safety precautions and good handwashing habits.
3. We distributed food packages to our vulnerable beneficiaries whose business closed due to the lockdown.
4. ACCESS enabled orphans and other vulnerable children to continue learning through the provision of radio sets to families that lacked them so that they can access the national radio learning.
5. We introduced and trained home gardening to families to promote the nutrition of children and the elderly in the community.
6. ACCESS procured bulk quantities of medicines, sundries, and other commodities to maintain our medical stock and support lower partner health facilities in times of need.
7. We conducted radio presentations and phone calls communication about COVID – 19 safety precaution to our beneficiaries and community health teams.

Our impact in the area of economic empowerment

At the beginning of the year 2020, a total of 105 women were given nano finance funds and 105 businesses were started by these vulnerable women in the community, during the lockdown all finance mentorship and the weekly loan repayment collections were halted until when the business attain momentum. Eleven percent (12) of the women’s business closed during the lockdown. Among the closed business; 7 were small scale vendors, 3 were salons, and 2 bar-business.

Ten percent (10) of the women’s businesses were repurposed from the activities that were closed to other operational businesses in the community. Seventy-nine percent (83) of the women’s businesses continued operating with the initially registered business. These were operating within the national guidelines.

The pandemic had obvious and immediate effects on our community members and their families. For example, at the end of Q4 in 2019, 98% (49) of the women provided with nano finance were eating three meals a day, but by Q2 2020, the percentage of households eating three meals a day had dropped to 18% (19) households among the women benefiting from the nano finance. This was brought about by COVID – 19 pandemic and its associated impact on the rural poor who leaves on hand to mouth.

Our impact in the area of education

All Ugandan schools were closed until further notice as a measure to curb the spread of coronavirus in the community. ACCESS being an organization whose backbone is to support orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) attain quality education as well as training of nurses and midwives, we were driven to developing innovative ways to ensure that our children keep engaged and learning remotely during this devastating period.

ACCESS School of Nursing and Midwifery

We worked with all tutors from ACCESS School of Nursing and Midwifery to compile notes for our 275 students, the notes were shared on one email whose password was known to each student and can log in to access notes at their own time, a WhatsApp group was formed for the students to ask questions and receive a real-time response from the tutor. We are currently trying to use online meeting application like zoom to hold classes with real classroom feeling. This is still limited by the technological challenges faced by both the students and some tutors. This remote learning will enable tutors to cover the semester’s syllabus and also keep students engaged and learning.

Preschool children and Orphans and other vulnerable children

1. The organization managed to procure and distributed 84 radio sets to vulnerable children at home without radio sets so that they can access radio learning programs.
2. Our social department works closely with village health teams (VHTs) who make phone calls to parents reminding them to allow children to listen to the radio provided or watch edutainment channels to keep them engaged.
3. 500 orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs) acquired scholastic materials including counseling from a social worker. Due to limited funding 47 OVCs are maintained on full school packages that include school fees, uniforms, shoes, and other scholastics.
4. For our preschool children in the early childhood development program, we worked closely with their teachers to compile exercise for the children, the exercise is delivered by the teacher and the social workers who encourage the parent/guardians to spare time and help their children in doing the homework.
5. Construction is underway for the early childhood block, ACCESS management in collaboration with Grace Promise are in the process of constructing a flat block that will be able to accommodate more than 150 children from the community.

The dream girls’ program

1. 30 at-risk girls can access vocational training and attain skills in hairdressing and tailoring. The program aims to prevent teen pregnancies.

Our impact in the area of medical care

The ACCESS Lifecare clinic continued operating during these uncertain times, we have remained at the forefront of service provision in our community while protecting our health workers. As a centre of excellence, we are committed to providing a seamless continuity of care for our communities and standing as an example to other facilities in combating COVID – 19.

1. At the gate entrance, we have a mandatory hand washing for all visitors entering and leaving the facility. We also have a mandatory temperature check conducted by a security personal using an infrared thermometer and from this point patients are screened in order to determine whether it is safe for a person to enter the clinical environment for non-COVID treatment
2. The waiting area has been rearranged so as to ensure all patients waiting for care are at least 4 meters apart from each other.
3. We also ensure that both our medical and non-medical staff have all necessary protective equipment and conduct daily spot checks to ensure consistent usage. We have also intensified handwashing and infection prevention control measures at the facility for both health care workers and patients.
4. From march 2020, we have screened 865 individuals for COVID – 19 through using the ministry of health screening tool and temperature monitoring. Two cases were suspected and were referred to the Nakaseke hospital one of the national hubs for further investigations.
5. By 30^th June 2020, we had seen 16,847 patients at ACCESS Lifecare clinic which is a 9% increase in the total number of patients seen compared to this time last year. The increment is associated to the opening and equipping of the new ACCESS laboratory which has attracted community members to seek medical services from ACCESS Lifecare clinic.

We are very grateful to our partners and the board of directors for their timely support and guidance. We have seen our communities transformed. We have witnessed the power of unity in times of adversity and scarcity. We are sure that we will minimize the effects of the pandemic on the vulnerable people we serve.

JOB ADVERT FOR THE POSITION OF PROJECT MANAGER ACCESS-EKFS

Background:

ACCESS is a community-based organization in Nakaseke, Uganda founded on the belief that everyone has a right to a healthy life. We also believe that empowering community members through health and education creates lasting change that is owned by the entire community. We are engaging local leaders and cultivating new leaders through our programs focused on:

1. Support for vulnerable primary school children and their families through income-generating projects, and subsidized school fees
2. Educational opportunities in healthcare for young adults at The Health Training Institute
3. Access to clinical and community-based healthcare through our clinic and outreach programs using community health workers
4. Community-based research to generate new scientific approaches to health-related challenges.

The ACCESS-EKFS grant is a 3- year grant aimed at developing the research, clinical and educational capacity on NCDs in the rural areas of Nakaseke.

We are looking for a charismatic person to lead and carry forward the project on non-communicable diseases based fulltime in Nakaseke district.

JOB TITLE: Project Manager

STATION: Nakaseke District

POSITION TYPE: Contract

REPORTS TO: President ACCESS

NO. OF DIRECT REPORTS: 4

JOB ROLE/ PURPOSE:

Ensure proper delivery of the ACCESS-EKFS project goals

KEY RESULT AREAS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide strategic Leadership and oversee the implementation of the ACCESS-EKFS project

1. Ensure ongoing local programmatic excellence in NCD clinics and community-based activities.
2. Set timelines and manage the resource for project goals
3. Support development of Research, clinical and medical education protocols and SOPs
4. Lead, mentor, develop and retain a high-performance staff on the
   project.
5. Ensure proper stewardship for the EKFS and other research partner resources.

Communications and Research project progress

1. Set up regular calls for the EKFS management
2. Maintain a database of participants, patients, and staff
3. Maintain and develop communication and collaboration with local, district and national government leaders to facilitate EKFS programs
4. and integration into the public health sector and MOH level.
5. Hold regular meetings with NCD clinic leads, VHTs, Clinicians and project team members
6. Oversee the NCD training of clinicians, researchers, VHTs, local and international global health students
7. Account for the performance of the Organization against the plan by documenting and presenting periodic performance reports

Research Management

1. Support development of research protocols and SOPs
2. Ensure proper implementation of all study protocols across the three NCD clinics and the community level
3. Maintain all research correspondence with IRBs and UNCST and ensure that all site studies meet professional and ethical standards at all times.
4. Oversee implementation of studies and provide regular well written monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
5. Look out for other grants to supplement current EKFS work on NCDs at ACCESS
6. Participate in writing updrafts for publication and maintain the EMR study system with the biostatistician.

Clinical/community Outputs

1. Monitor NCD clinic (s) outputs on a monthly basis using the EMR system
2. Set up a CaCx screening program and ensure proper follow-up
3. Monitor VHT outputs and give detailed report per month
4. Participate and guide patient care and international student training for ACCESS
5. Monitor budgetary reconciliations on a monthly basis
6. Set up a database for all EKFS grant activities
7. Liaise with District and MOH leadership on the dissemination of new findings
8. Prepare end of project reports
9. Set up and support a community advisory board

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Academic Qualification

1. A Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Nursing or public health
2. A master’s degree in Public Health, Management, epidemiology, or a related field is an added advantage.
3. Training in research leadership is desirable

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

1. Three (3) years of work experience in Health and two (2) of which should have been in Research or clinical
2. Experience in conducting clinical studies
3. Working in remote areas is added advantage

SPECIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

1. The jobholders should express Strong research and clinical acumen with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
2. A high degree of maturity that portrays the good image of ACCESS in all ways
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
4. Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people across international borders
5. Should have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
6. Should be quick at decision making
7. Possess an admirable demeanour that influences behaviour in a multi-disciplinary team
8. Have excellent negotiation and networking capabilities
9. Should be assertive and emotionally intelligent
10. Should express resilience and commitment to work
11. Ability to prepare analytical reports and make convincing presentations
12. Ability to coach, mentor and guide a team of senior leaders under supervision
13. Should have a track record of impeccable integrity

How to Apply:

Fill an online form accordingly by following the link below and thereafter submit your application documents to the e-mail below:

Click to apply

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. A high level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.

Please email your application to sktlkisaac@outlook.com Applications should include academic documents, a cover letter, CV, daytime telephone contact, and three traceable professional references. Combine all application documentation into one PDF document. The deadline is Friday 20th JUN 2020, at 5:00 pm.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Note that academic qualifications will be subjected to verification by the issuing institutions. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only.

NB: Please quote the following position description in the subject line of the email: EKFS Project manager

The applications should be addressed to:  Principle Investigator EKFS study

Download the advert here

JOB ADVERT FOR ACCESS SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

ADVERT FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY TUTORS

                      Nurse and Midwifery Tutors (one), Clinical Instructors (one)

Background:

African Community Center for Social Sustainability (ACCESS) is a community-based organization that was established in 2003 in Nakaseke district, a greater Luwero triangle. ACCESS provides a comprehensive model of health care services, education, and economic empowerment programs. Among the various programs operational at ACCESS, there is a focus on providing education & training in health and other related fields for the community of Luwero sub-region, Uganda, East Africa & Africa as a whole. It’s upon this background that ACCESS School of Nursing & Midwifery was established.

Management of ACCESS School of Nursing & Midwifery, therefore, invites applications from suitably qualified tutors and clinical instructors for the above-mentioned positions.

Job Summary: The Tutor or Clinical instructor will plan and manage classroom teaching and practical programs.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Teach students in the various course units as per the curriculum and in line with the prescribed timetable.
2. Conduct teaching according to principles of teaching notable a scheme of work and reason plan.
3. Maintain records of lectures given, list of students attending and ensuring regular assessment of students and feedback given.
4. Ensuring high standards of discipline is maintained among students.
5. Providing guidance and counseling to students.
6. Participating in all the activities of the school e.g. co-curricular activities, supervision, and support of students during theoretical and practicum experience.
7. Maintaining a role model for the students to immolate from.
8. Keeping abreast of current academic affairs so that the students are given up to date information.

Tutor’s Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:  

1. The applicant must hold Bachelor’s degree in medical education from a recognized university or institution, Bachelor of Science in nursing or midwifery with a post-graduate diploma in medical education from a recognized university or institution or Higher Diploma in health tutorship from a recognized university/ institution.
2. Evidence of renewal of practicing license.
3. At least one year in classroom teaching from a recognized nursing and midwifery school.
4. Strong understanding of the teaching-learning process
5. Good communication skills, organization, and planning
6. Good problem-solving skills.
7. Self-motivated team prayer
8. Confidentiality, honesty and the high level of professional and ethical conduct
9. Competence in use of various teaching methodologies
10. Sensitivity to students’ needs and institutional policy requirements.
11. Should possess a national ID and be available to work on a fulltime basis.

Clinical Instructor’s Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:  

1. The applicant must hold Bachelor of Science in nursing or midwifery from a recognized university or institution, Bachelor of Science in nursing or midwifery with a post-graduate diploma in medical education from a recognized university or institution or Diploma in nursing or midwifery from a recognized institution.
2. Evidence of renewal of practicing license.
3. At least one year in classroom teaching from a recognized nursing and midwifery school.
4. Strong understanding of the teaching-learning process
5. Good communication skills, organization, and planning
6. Good problem-solving skills.
7. Self-motivated team prayer
8. Confidentiality, honesty and the high level of professional and ethical conduct
9. Competence in the use of various teaching methodologies
10. Sensitivity to students’ needs and institutional policy requirements.
11. Should possess a national ID and be available to work on a fulltime basis.

How to Apply:

All candidates should send their applications enclosing photocopies of academic qualifications, testimonials along with curriculum vitae indicating contact postal address, day time telephone number, email, two recommendation letters, (on letterheads and a cover/support letter via

Email to: access.uganda.nakaseke@gmail.com

Or Hand deliver to

The Principal Tutor                                                                         Deputy Principal Tutor

ASNM-NAKASEKE                                                       OR                 ASNM- NAKASEKE

Tel:- +256 -77 2 472453                                                                    Tel:- +256-77 4 036460

Deadline: 08th November 2019

Community Member’s “Story Changed” and “Hope Restored” by a touch from ACCESS Community program

Florence is 36 years, a single mother of 12 children, resides in the town of Nakaseke and she is among the 50 ladies of ACCESS NANO Microfinance program. She is a person with a physical disability and cannot walk. Her legs are crippled and she can only move with the help of walking sticks, which she got from the hospital.

The father of her children deserted her after seeing that the family had grown bigger and to him it was a burden to meet all the needs. All her children are in school but she finds it so challenging to meet the school needs like buying books, paying school fees and all the necessities for their studies.  But ACCESS saved her by supporting a son with school fees and all other school requirements. She stays in a single rented room together with her children.  Getting enough to eat is a struggle because she cannot cultivate large enough portions to feed her family.  She must take her children over the weekends for labor in order to get food and money for other home basic needs like sugar, soap and school fees for the rest of the children.

She says” I thank ACCESS for helping us the needy, they support my child Dalton in school, gave him everything required for school, introduced us to the income-generating program which provide us with no credit capital. This enabled me to start my business of maize roasting. Before, at times I used to sleep on an empty stomach without eating anything, but these days my family life has completely changed because I can now earn 5000shs (1.5$USD) day as net income. LONG LIVE ACCESS!’’

The Nano microfinance program is a relatively new project introduced through Our Biswas, Kisobooka and other partners. It is aimed at empowering women with interest-free loans so that they can eventually pull out of poverty. Women help fellow women to learn to save, invest and grow their capital in a supportive environment. Once financial management is accomplished, we will then endeavor to set up shared markets and value addition to our beneficiaries.

You can join ACCESS in supporting a microloan which ranges from 10$ USD first loan, 20$USD and 40$USD as the second and third level interest-free loans. Our target is to reach 1 million women in a period of 10 years with interest-free loans and have them share in the open markets across Uganda.  

2018 ACCESS Annual Report

For the year 2018, we focused on strengthening the activities of ACCESS in the areas of support for orphans and other vulnerable children (OVCs), nursing and midwifery education, medical care, family planning, infrastructure and human resource development. With additional support from our partners, we have been able to graduate 24 preschool children and maintained the number of preschool children at 62. We have provided scholastic materials for 320 OVCs in primary and secondary schools. We held our first graduation for the nurses and midwives in our school, 98% passed their national exam with excellence, and most of them are employed.

Please download to access detailed  2018 ACCESS Annual report

ACCESS SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY- 1ST GRADUATION CEREMONY 26th/OCT/2018

As soon as the pioneer group of students (Set 1) were enrolled in Nov 2015, the concept to hold the First Graduation at the end of their Course in 2018 was conceived in the very first semester.

Many people including national and international partners who visited the school expressed their interest in the first Graduation as they kept inquiring when this would take place.

This encouraged the school management and teaching staff to work tireless to ensure that the occasion takes place when it is due and that every student and parent enjoys this event.

All through the training, all the students in this group worked very hard and the records show that all did well in their local and national examinations which threw their light to a very successful end of course which was demonstrated when the results of final examinations were announced with 99.9% pass. While 19 midwives had 100% pass with very good credits, the 55 nurses had 99% pass with very good credits, 14.9 received pass and only 0.1% did not make it.

ASNM school pioneer students had really made it and everyone was excited about this performance.

Click HERE to download ASNM Graduation report.

Sharing the impact of EKFS support at ACCESS

Hope of a heart diseased patient restored through generous holistic care and support by ACCESS-EKFS Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) care program

Meet Janet, a 65 year old female peasant from Bamunanika in Luwero. She was diagnosed with high blood pressure 5 years ago. Despite the effort to look for blood pressure medications from different health centres in Nakaseke and medical camps, sometimes she could go without taking any medications to control her blood pressure. Six months ago, adding to the already complicated health of Janet, she developed relentless on and off fevers and joint pains which she initially thought was malaria. Musawo Sewannyana, a health care worker based at ACCESS NCD clinic and trained in HEARTS protocol received Janet and assessed her condition. He found out that Janet’s condition was indeed more than hypertension and malaria. “Janet had a low grade fever” he reported. What was astonishing was a finding of a systolic murmur and an irregular heartbeat. Musawo Sewannyana measured her blood pressure and random blood glucose which he found at 140/80 and 6.5mg/dl respectively. He also measured her weight, height and waist circumference. With the newly developed NCD charts at the clinic, Musawo Sewannyana was able to perform a relevant assessment of the patient. In addition he performed an ECG which revealed atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder affecting the upper chambers of the heart and left ventricular hypertrophy. He wasn’t in position to do further tests given the lack of capacity at the clinic. He instead instituted treatment for high blood pressure, gave an antibiotic and counselled the patient on healthy lifestyle including reduction on salt intake. Janet has been attending care at ACCESS for the last six months. She reports that her general health has improved drastically.

Four out of five people who die from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are killed by either a heart attack or a stroke according to world health organization. When the community is empowered through taking charge of their health, the impact can be enormous. This story illustrates how learning and putting into practice skills of assessing patients with suspected CVD by lower health care cadres can have long lasting impact on the health status of peasants who can’t afford care from tertiary centers or highly specialised personnel (cardiologists). Many thanks to Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung medical-humanitarian funding  which aided the pilot phase of the HEARTS protocol training in February 2018 at Nakaseke General Hospital. Through continued support, we plan on continuing with the HEARTS training targeting low cadre health workers and Village health Team (VHTs) to increase awareness of CVD in the community. We hope that our efforts will curb the raising prevalence of CVDs in rural communities of Nakaseke. Let’s all work together to achieve the 25 by 25 goal of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by 25% by 2025.

Alex Kayongo, MD. Post graduate Research fellow.

TUTORS NEEDED

The Access  school of Nursing and Midwifery – Nakaseke in dedicated to training NURSES AND MIDWIVES.

The main goal of the school is to impact the education levels in the rural Nakaseke District, the greater, Luweero triangle, in Uganda. In order to achieve the above objectives to provide a comprehensive model of health care services, education and economic empowerment programs to the people of Nakaseke, greater Luwero triangle in Uganda. Access school of nursing of Midwifery – Nakaseke seeks to recruit three persons to fill One (1) senior Tutor position and two persons to fill the position of Tutor with the qualifications, knowledge, skills and attitudes as described in the following section.

JOB TITLE SENIOR TUTOR (ONE POSITION).

Reports to Principal of the school

Classification: Contract type: 2 year (Renewable on good performance)

Duty Station: Access School of Nursing and Midwifery- Nakaseke

JOB SUMMARY

The senior Tutor will manage plan and coordinate all organizational matters of the academic registrar to support the principal and other teaching staff to provide quality strategic training of the Nurses and Midwives

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

SENIOR TUTOR

– Sharing teaching responsibilities with other tutors and clinical instructors guided by the principals of teaching.

– Carrying out responsibilities of the Deputy Principal when Principal is absent from station.

– Managing the office of the Academic Registrar as far as the activities of advertising for vacancies for the students, interviews and selecting of suitable candidates are concerned. In the same vein organizing training programs, arranging for student assessment and supervising all the related activities in student assessment.

– Effectively work in a team with other teaching and non-teaching staff.

– Providing a role model for the school populace

– Protecting all confidential information concerning trainees and avoiding examination leakages.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Evidence of your professional qualification as Tutor and experience as a senior Tutor.
2. Renewal of practicing license.
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. References from two reputable personalities.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ATTITUDES

– Strong understanding of the teaching – learning process

– Good communication skills, organization and planning

– Three (3) year teaching practice in a recognized training institution

– Problem solving skills.

– Self-motivated team prayer

– Confidentiality of integrate, honesty and the high level of professional and ethical conduct

– Competence in use of various teaching methodologies

– Sensitivity to student’s needs and institutional policy requirements.

JOB TITLE: TUTOR (2 POSITIONS)

Reports to Principal of the school

Classification: Contract type: 2 year (Renewable on good performance)

Duty Station: Access School of Nursing and Midwifery- Nakaseke

JOB SUMMARY

He /She will plan and manage class room teaching and practical programs.

He /She will supervise clinical instructors.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

– Teach students in the various course units as per curriculum and in line with the prescribed time table.

– Conduct teaching according to principles of teaching notable a scheme of work and reason plan.

– Maintain records of lectures given, list of students attending and ensuring regular assessment of students and feedback given.

– Ensuring high standards of discipline is maintained among students.

– Providing guidance and counseling to students.

– Participating in all the activities of the school e.g. co-curricular activities, supervision and support of student during theoretical and practicum experience.

– Guiding, supervising and supporting clinical instructors attached to the school.

– Maintaining a role model for the students to immolate from.

– Keeping a breast with current academic affairs so that the students are given up to date information.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Professional qualifications as Nurse/Midwife Tutor.
2. Evidence of renewal of practicing license.
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Referees: 2 reputable personalities.

 KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ATTITUDES

– Strong understanding of the teaching – learning process

– Good communication skills, organization and planning

– Three (3) year teaching practice in a recognized training institution

– Problem solving skills.

– Self-motivated team prayer

-Confidentiality of integrate, honesty and the high level of professional and ethical conduct

– Competence in use of various teaching methodologies

– Sensitivity to student’s needs and institutional policy requirements.

 HOW TO APPLY.

– Send application enclosing photocopies of academic qualifications, testimonials along with curriculum vitae indicating contact postal address, day time telephone number, email, two recommendation letters, (on letter heads and a cover/support letter not later than 23^rd Feb 2018.

– Please note only short listed candidates will be contacted.

THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFREY NAKASEKE EMAIL

sserubopete@gmail.com 

TEL: +256782348560 / +256772472453      (more…)

JOBS JOBS JOBS

ACCESS seeks to hire the following candidates; Enrolled Nurse (01), Nursing Assistant (01), Data Clerk (01), Cashier (01).

Job Title:    ENROLLED NURSE (Positions: 01)

 Reports to: The In-Charge Life Care
Duty Station: ACCESS Nakaseke Town Council
Duration: The Positions is available for an initial one year contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance by the job holder.

Job Summary: To provide competent, and efficient nursing services to clients. Such services shall include treating all clients with dignity, respect, care and compassion, recognizing their individual health beliefs, needs and values.

 KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Enter medical data of patients into register, patient’s file, and electronic databases; and provide updates of the monthly medical reports.
2. Maintain strict confidentiality with regards to patient’s medical records,patient management and treatment.
3. Administer minor ‘outpatient’ treatment and immunization requirements.
4. Assists in providing health education and health promotion programs for the organization.
5. Maintains and medical inventory and supplies
6. Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and organizational deadlines
7. Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients.
8. Serve the community in health related situations to achieve healthy community facets.
9. Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE

1. Certificate in nursing
2. Registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council
3. Experience in the usage of computers /an Office Package (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is desirable
4. Good interpersonal skills; ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
5. Effective Communication, ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
6. Must be between 18 and 35 years of age
7. Flexible and reliable with demonstrated ability to adapt to different clinical environments.
8. Must be diligent, honest, good interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Good command of both English and Luganda
10. Ability to work with minimal supervision.
11. Minimum of 1-3 years of continuous clinical experience in nursing as a registered nurse.

Job Title:    NURSING ASSISTANT (Positions: 01)

 Reports to: The In-Charge Life Care
Duty Station: ACCESS Nakaseke Town Council
Duration: The Positions is available for an initial one year contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance by the job holder.

Job Summary:  The Nursing Assistant will provide basic care to patients, as well as assist them in daily activities they might have trouble with on their own, such as bathing. He/she will also carry out the store keeping roles at ACCESS.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Feed, bathe and dress patients
2. Take patient vital signs
3. Serve meals, make beds and keep rooms clean
4. Set up medical equipment and assist with some medical procedures
5. Answer calls for help and observe changes in a patient’s condition or behavior
6. Store keeping

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE

1. Certificate in Nursing Assistance
2. Good organisational, record keeping and planning skills
3. Punctuality
4. Excellent communication skills with colleagues, advisors and parents and care givers.
5. Reliability and trustworthiness
6. A positive approach to inclusive practice, with patients and colleagues
7. Understanding of the importance of Health, Safety and workplace Hygiene.
8. Flexibility – occasionally working hours might be changed as the in- Charge may demand
9. Experience in store keeping is an added advantage
10. Minimum of 1-3 years of continuous clinical experience in a similar position and registered with the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council.

 Job Title:    CASHIER (Positions: 01)

 Reports to: The Accountant
Duty Station: ACCESS Nakaseke Town Council
Duration: The Positions is available for an initial one year contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance by the job holder.

Job Summary

Cashier will efficiently provide comprehensive information, clerical, and accounting services to assist the organization finance unit in executing processes and delivering service needs that support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. As part of finance team you will deliver quality support in your role, applying clearly defined accounting and financial reporting processes, procedures and service standards.

 KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensure timely, proper and correct financial records,
2. Prepare and ensure timely payments through both cash and bank,
3. The Cashier will be posting all finance transactions into financial system,
4. Support the procurement process in payment and digital filing,
5. Assist stores staff in managing inventory controls,
6. Assist the storekeeper to consistently keep an accurate physical and system based stock balances at all times
7. Carry out the physically checking of stock levels and maintaining up to date records (Bin cards) in order to facilitate/ease stock taking exercise
8. Facilitate regular stock audits as may be requested by the line supervisor,
9. Responsible for management of the reception area, receiving visitors, managing the central office phone, directing visitors and proving any administrative related support to the operations team

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE: 

1. The ideal candidate for the Cashier job opportunity should hold a Diploma Business Administration in Accounting or any other related field.
2. At least 1 year experience in accounting or financial management,
3. Computer literacy skills i.e. proficiency in Word and Excel; knowledge of accounting software is an added advantage,
4. Self-motivator, having the ability to work with limited supervision
5. Ability to give transparent accountability,
6. Able to meet deadlines
7. Strong customer service ethic and abilities,
8. Ability to work collaboratively.
9. Good oral and written skills in English,
10. Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail,

Job Title: DATA CLERK (Positions: 01)

 Reports to: The program coordinator.
Duty Station: ACCESS Nakaseke Town Council
Duration: The Position is available for an initial one year contract renewable subject to satisfactory performance by the job holder.

Job Summary:  The Data Clerk role basically entails entering data in the database, data cleaning, scanning reports and maintaining program files.

 KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The Data Clerk will prepare and sort documents for the purpose of data entry.
2. Ensuring completeness and accuracy of various program data collection/capture tools like: referral forms and monthly report forms.
3. Ensure routine cleaning of data.
4. Enter data into prescribed database software in the right way.
5. Prepare automated data entry and integration reports when requested.
6. Perform document scanning and attaching/uploading files related to the entries made

QUALIFICATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE: 

1. A diploma in Secretarial Studies, Computer Science, Social Sciences, Statistics, Office and Information Management or a related field from a recognized university.
2. At least 1 year experience in data clerk position or data management field.

Behavioural Attributes

1. Ability to recognize and resolve issues promptly
2. Ability to work under pressure, without supervision and within tight deadlines
3. A high level of attention to detail
4. Critical and analytical thinking
5. Self-discipline and strong work ethic
6. Computer skills, including word processing (Microsoft Word with spreadsheets, grants database(s) desirable.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills
8. Good interpersonal skills
9. Team player
10. Report writing skills

HOW TO APPLY:

All suitably qualified and interested applicants should hand deliver  photocopies of academic documents , a detailed resume (CV)  with at least three reference contacts and application letter addressed to;

The Executive Director
ACCESS Uganda,
P.O Box 28993
Kampala

OR    Send by E-mail to both:

1. uganda.nakaseke@gmail.com
2. rimuck@gmail.com

For more information and inquiries, Call 0414- 667 432.

Deadline for Submission: Friday 9th February 2018

The EKFS Annual Report 2016/2017

Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death across the world. The majority of morbidity and mortality related to NCDs occur in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda where the capacity to handle such chronic diseases is extremely limited. Therefore, it was with great pleasure that we received the news of a three-year grant to support the development of a center of excellence for NCD care in Uganda from the Else Kröner-Fresenius Stiftung.

This report summarizes the past year’s achievements of the ACCESS Uganda partnership with colleagues from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen Nürnberg, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University and Makerere University. The effort represents a multi-national, interdisciplinary collaboration that has the potential to revolutionize NCD prevention and management in low- and middle-income settings.

We thank the Else Kröner Fresenius-Stiftung for supporting this vision and contribute to efforts that have enabled us to reach out to over 18,000 community members in Nakaseke. Please enjoy reading the report.

Felix Knauf, Trishul Siddharthan, Robert Kalyesubula

HERE you can download the EKFS Annual Report

Meet Dr. Robert in this new Video

Research Assistant Needed

Research Assistant for qualitative research

Makerere University – Yale University collaboration (MUYU) Research Scholar is seeking a Research Assistant for the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) management study.

The specific aims of this research are to assess knowledge, attitudes, & practices towards NCD education & management in Nakaseke district in Uganda. We would like to determine the barriers and facilitators to healthcare access for self-management of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.

This study will be conducted in three selected sub-counties of Nakaseke, Uganda. Sub-counties for sampling were selected based on proximity to African Community Center for Social Sustainability (ACCESS). ACCESS Uganda is a community-based organization in Nakaseke district, Uganda dedicated to working with vulnerable groups in resource limited settings through medical care, education and economic empowerment. For more information, please visit http://accessuganda.org/latest-news/

Please send an email with:

1. a cover letter stating your prior experience and motivation.
2. one reference letter.

please send to haeyoon.chang@yale.eduwith the job title in the subject of your email.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interviews during the first week of July.

Deadline for receipt of applications: June 30^th2016.

The Genesis and Future of ACCESS

Robert Kalyesubula, MD – President, ACCESS-Uganda

In 2002, soon after completing my initial training at the Makerere University Medical School, I started my medical career at Nakaseke Hospital (a rural district Hospital). A few months into my work, I was challenged by a young lady from a nearby district who kept coming to the hospital at short intervals with recurrent fever, poor appetite and general body weakness. After treating her for a while, I got concerned and asked her to take the HIV test. She was quite terrified but later gathered courage after intensive counseling. As you may recall early 2000 was a dark time for HIV-AIDS, where a positive test almost manifested looming death! On learning her HIV sero status we took a special interest in her with my colleague James and visited her home.

What we found in her village moved us to tears. We learned that this was a young lady who had migrated from Rwanda with her husband due to the genocide. Unfortunately her husband had died of HIV-AIDS leaving with 3 children (two of whom also HIV positive). What was worse is that the local chiefs who were supposed to protect her had ganged up with her step son to take the one acre piece of land she had with her children. Luckily we were able to intervene using the courts of law and her land was saved.

However, illness and poverty remained a major obstacle. We got her a piglet and in 8 months she had 9 piglets. We were excited about this and worked with the elders in the community to set up the now called ACCESS (African Community Center for Social Sustainability). Having lost my father at the age of 8 years, and having grown up in an orphanage, I knew exactly how it felt to be vulnerable and this made it easier for me to appreciate the pain and needs of the community members.

With time we were able to open up a clinic which provides care to over 3,000 patients per year and also have a strong team of community health workers and village health teams that are able to follow up all our beneficiaries from the community. ACCESS now has a number of programs the details of which will be shared in the forthcoming issues but for this article I will focus on the leadership, governance and the future plans of ACCESS.

ACCESS was rejuvenated by a new board of directors (BOD) consisting of 5 men and 4 women of great standing within the nation. The BOD has been quite active and providing input to the future directions of ACCESS. Having established Midwifery and Nursing school program which was duly accredited by the Ministries of Health and education in 2015, we are now ready for a new Executive director to take us to the next level. We are also looking at building a center of excellence for patient centered care using community health workers as key stakeholders. This will work alongside our fast growing Nursing School which now has 116 students since its inauguration in November 2015.

In the coming years we plan to upgrade the training program to a diploma level for the Nurses and midwives and also plan to begin other Institutes of Allied health, and to include Clinical officers, Laboratory technicians, Pharmacy assistants and health administrators who are few in the country. The scarcity for professional healthworkers is most acute in rural areas like Nakaseke a trend we are working very hard to overturn by ensuring that our trainees have a great grasp of the health needs of rural communities. Our curriculum has been designed to include community interactive components that will ensure that our students get the desired competencies of providing holistic care to the rural populations. We have also set up a scholarship program that will ensure that girls from very poor families can ACCESS this training and be able to serve their communities after they attain the required skills.

We have planned to set up a state of art training center that will encompass the training Institutes and the institute will form the center piece from which all other ACCESS programs will be supported (see fig 1).

In 10-15 years we plan to offer degrees in the different health professions and also have a center for training specialized clinical Nurses. In collaboration with Nakaseke hospital, local government and International partners as well as well-established institutions like Makerere University and Mulago Hospit
al; only good things can happen.

We now have a plan of the infrastructure we want to set up in Nakaseke which will train health workers from African countries and beyond (see fig 2).

ACCESS is Hiring!

We are excited to announce our recruitment for an Executive Director based in Uganda at ACCESS!

We are looking for a passionate, dedicated individual interested in living in Nakseke, Uganda and investing their passion and skills in the community.

The Executive Director will be responsible for program development, networking with local and international programs, motivating and mentoring staff, and contributing to the sustainability of our programs through fundraising.

Qualified candidates will be thoroughly committed to ACCESS mission and culture. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience.

The selected candidate will join a collaborative, dynamic team in improving access to health and education for the community.

Please Contact Us Here if you are interested in applying or learning more about this position. 

We can’t wait to hear from you! 

Annual Report

What a busy year at ACCESS!

We would like to present our Annual Report (2013-2014) to update you on what we have been up to this year, and to show how your support has helped get us there!

We have big plans for 2015 including:

1. Welcoming the first class of nursing students at the ACCESS Health Training Institute

2. Training new community health workers to increase access to family planning services

3. Initiating a peer-lead health program for youth to help reduce HIV infection rates among young people

Thanks for your help!

Keep an eye out for pictures, updates, and fundraisers this year as we continue improving lives in Nakaseke community!

PFA 2014 FINAL REPORT

The Awesome Foundation + ACCESS

As we check off our list of requirements for the nursing school, we have had one crucial teaching mannequin that has been difficult to secure!

We want to express our sincere thanks to The Awesome Foundation for partnering with ACCESS to provide the funds necessary for our teaching mannequin!

This Awesome Foundation’s mission is to perpetuate awesomeness in the universe one $1,000 grant at a time. They have granted over $100,000 in 25 countries to small organizations and individuals trying to make a difference in their world.

We think they are AWESOME! With their help, we are one step closer to opening the nursing school!

MOHAMED ALI ZEIDAN MEMORIAL FUND

MOHAMED ALI ZEIDAN MEMORIAL FUND

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It is with untold sadness that we mourn the loss of Moe Zeidan, ACCESS’s first intern, co-executive director of Partners for ACCESS, and 4th year medical student at Tufts.

In honor of his devotion to ACCESS and his tireless commitment to building a sustainable medical community in Uganda, we are inaugurating the Moe Zeidan Memorial Library at ACCESS and establishing this Legacy Fund in his memory.

Moe’s enormous heart, visionary dreams, and practical approach to helping vulnerable people around the world will long be remembered and implemented through the generosity of your donation.

Thank you for standing with us to remember Moe and honor his legacy.

Sincerely,

The entire team at ACCESS and Partners for ACCESS

Donate Here

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