For years, Fundamental Research on Eradication of Neglected Diseases in Africa (FRENDA) has offered a variety of health educational programs to encourage the health of people in the local communities. However, never has there been a comprehensive and targeted community health promotion program in place. Currently, the organization has a variety of health concerns influencing people’s health, productivity, and level of satisfaction. Establishment of a Community health Clinic and interdisciplinary health Planning Team is recommended to create a comprehensive program that will support success in achieving the organization goals. Our fulltime health team will Coordinate and oversee program planning, implementation, and evaluation with the help of interdisciplinary community volunteers serving as part of the Planning and management Team.

Health Research has shown that Organizations, which develop a well-informed, health-conscious workforce, can lower the costs of medical treatment, and raise productivity. This is because healthy, fit people have less health care expenses, fewer work-related injuries, fewer sick days, and greater productivity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Report published in 2016 suggested that community health promotion programs might be the best way to keep health care costs down and increase people’s productivity. The report claimed a $3 to $4 return for every one dollar invested on person’s health and wellness in Low Income Countries such as Uganda. This could mean an even greater return-on-investment at the national level.

Their study indicates that educating individuals and promoting the advantages of a healthy lifestyle could mean huge financial and other benefits for the country. Further, if people can be encouraged by rewarding measurable outcomes to implement thoughtful, progressive wellness programs that were accepted and utilized by people, the most affordable and effective version of health care reform would be achieved.

The people in the local communities is an ideal setting for health promotion services because of the amount of time that people spend and the lifestyle they live. Most major organizations in Uganda understand that a healthy work force is their most valuable economic asset, and for that reason, support some form of health promotion for their workers. This has made a commitment to encourage healthy behaviors by creating a culture of health wellness within their communities.

The Fundamental Research on Eradication of Neglected Diseases in Africa (FRENDA) recognizes that the health and wellbeing is essential to providing communities the care and benefits that they deserve. “A healthier community means better morale, increased efficiency, reduced health care costs. This translates into better health care and services for the nation.

Organizational Assessment

While the Fundamental Research on Eradication of Neglected Diseases in Africa (FRENDA support community health promotion, the past programs have failed to make an impact on their health outcomes. According to a recent survey of community health records, it is clear that the health of our people is dwindling.

• 67% percent of people report feeling significant amounts of illnesses weekly and 98% percent of people in the local communities report they want a health promotion programs. With the current national health trends, it is expected that the percentage of diseases will continue to climb, likely further influencing the amount spent on health in the budget of our country.

Proposed Services

A comprehensive health promotion program that focuses on the most crucial needs of the organization is highly recommended as a way of preventing a rise in costs and restoring the productivity and health of the people. A health assessment and survey of communities we serve will be conducted annually to ensure that health services provided target the most crucial health needs of the population. Annually, a strategic plan will be presented to management and Government regarding the intended goals and direction of the program.

Objectives

To develop a comprehensive Community Health Promotion Program that will specifically address the most crucial health needs of our population with respect to the Fundamental Research on Eradication of Neglected Diseases in Africa (FRENDA) goals.


Proposed Plan

Goals
Decrease the percent of people report feeling significant amounts of illnesses.
Reduction of mortality rate in the communities
Establish community health Clinic

Method
Implement intensive health care program,
Implement Within 12 months.

Timeline
Target 3 years for clinic opening.

The Program Team
The Health Promotions Program team should include, but is not limited to the following health professionals:

• Physician and/or Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner,
• Physical Therapist and,
• Laboratory Technician,
• Human Resources,
• Additional liaisons from other service providers and/or community based outpatient clinics may be added as committee members or as another form of representation,
• Other stakeholders, including KCCA and /or government authorities may be invited on an as needed basis.

Approximately one-third of our local population is women and people with Disabilities (PWDs) and may get additional health services through our organization or clinic as patients.
The Community Health Promotion Program at the Fundamental Research on Eradication of Neglected Diseases in Africa (FRENDA) is open to all people on a voluntary basis. Based on particular population needs identified through our annual assessment, there may be more specific services created with a segment of people in mind. These programs may be tailored to interested communities with unique health needs (i.e. HIV/Aids patients, drug users, overweight and others.) for which the demographic make-up of these segmented groups may be unique.

Marketing Plan
To ensure that all communities are aware of the services available to them, materials will be distributed through the media, sensitization and community outreaches. The community health promotion programs and services will also be marketed as offered to all people through social media platforms, signage, and fliers. Additionally, an Internet site with an events calendar will be is available to the communities.

Resources

Estimated resources for the first year of implementation include the Community Health Promotion Program and an additional Ushs 10,000,000 (Ten Million Uganda Shillings only) for materials needed to offer wellness services. Additional resources may be requested upon needs determined in annual assessments. Additional resources will be presented and requested formally as warranted. Other resources anticipated include a private office space for the technical team to conduct individual meetings with people and conduct routine business. In-kind resources such as use of Medical Media, Reproduction, and Information Resources Management Systems and support of other programs are anticipated.

Conclusion

FRENDA will adopt the policy of corporate good governance throughout the implementation process of this project. This will ensure accountability and transparency in the management of resources allocated.