Background
Family planning (FP) is a key pillar of Uganda’s national health strategy, contributing significantly to improved maternal health outcomes and socio-economic development. Despite investments in expanding FP access particularly through community-based distribution (CBD) models, many communities still face barriers to consistent and timely access to modern contraceptive methods such as subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC).
To address this gap, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with partners is promoting a strengthened CBD approach using community health workers (CHWs), commonly known as Village Health Teams (VHTs). These CHWs are positioned to deliver DMPA-SC at the last mile, increasing coverage and access. However, to sustain this approach and enable data-driven decision-making, robust reporting and tracking systems are essential.
The MoH is currently rolling out the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) a mobile-based digital platform designed as a job aid for CHWs with real-time reporting features. Developed and hosted by the MoH with support from partners, eCHIS includes modules for Family Planning, Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM), RMNCH, Nutrition, Immunization, and more. Its rollout is guided by the Health Information and Digital Health Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25) and the National Community Health Strategic Plan (2020/21–2024/25), which aim to digitize at least 30% (45,000) of Uganda’s 150,000 CHWs by 2025.
Namutumba, Kamuli and Mayuge districts are among the early adopter districts of eCHIS, and CHWs in these areas are already equipped with mobile devices running the eCHIS application. Despite this progress, reporting on the Family Planning module remains notably low, raising concerns about the system’s usability, awareness, content design, and integration into CHW routines.
TEGEM proposes a short-term consultancy to support MoH in understanding and addressing this gap. Through multi-stakeholder dialogues involving CHWs, district health teams, community members, and implementing partners the consultancy will diagnose the causes of low FP reporting in eCHIS and co-develop practical solutions to strengthen both CBD service delivery and digital reporting. The activity will also reinforce national coordination and inform scalable strategies for improving data quality and use in community health programming.
Objectives
The overall purpose of this activity is to support the Ministry of Health to strengthen the community-based distribution system for DMPA-SC and enhance the use of the electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) for family planning reporting by facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, identifying gaps, and co-developing practical, scalable solutions in selected districts.
The specific objectives include.
- To strengthen the community-based distribution system for DMPA-SC by engaging CHWs, district officials, and implementing partners to identify barriers and opportunities for improving delivery in Kamuli, Iganga, and Bugiri districts.
- To promote the institutionalization and use of the electronic Community Health Information System (e-CHIS) for effective tracking, reporting, and decision-making around DMPA-SC distribution at the community level.
- To facilitate stakeholder and community dialogues including CHWs, users, and policymakers to gather insights, share learning, and inform policy and programmatic decisions for scaling and sustaining CBD.
Expected outputs
- Stakeholder consultation summaries from each district, including input from CHWs, district teams, and community leaders on improving CBD and e-CHIS use.
- Report on community dialogue findings capturing FP user feedback, challenges, and recommendations for enhancing access to DMPA-SC.
- Practical, stakeholder-informed recommendations for integrating DMPA-SC distribution more effectively into e-CHIS.
- Final report outlining lessons learned, stakeholder input, and recommendations for scale-up and policy alignment.
Proposed Dates and Venue
The works on this activity will happen between August 4th – September 12th 2025
