At a recent community engagement in Ajia Sub-County, the Chairman of the Health Unit Management Committee (HUMC), Mr. Acidri Charles, shared both achievements and ongoing challenges affecting Ajia Health Centre.
The dialogue formed part of MACCO’s community-based monitoring efforts aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in service delivery.
Progress Made at Ajia Health Centre
Despite constraints, the facility has registered notable improvements:
- A new borehole was drilled after the previous one broke down
- The health centre land was formally leased
- The facility was fenced to improve security
- A four-stance VIP latrine was constructed
- Essential equipment was procured
- 25 beds were received to improve patient care capacity
These improvements reflect the value of sustained engagement between community members, facility leadership, and local authorities.
Persistent Challenges
However, significant gaps remain:
- Inadequate staff accommodation – Of the 12 staff members, only 5 stay within staff quarters. The remaining 7 commute from home, contributing to late coming and absenteeism.
- Transport constraints – The facility has no functional motorcycle after the only Yamaha AG broke down. This affects outreach services and supervision.
- Poor staff-community relations – Reports of abusive language and strained relationships between some staff and citizens were raised.
- Irregular staff salaries – Delayed payments contribute to absenteeism and low morale.
- Service disruption during immunization exercises – During outreach immunization activities, all staff reportedly leave the facility unattended.
Why This Matters
Community dialogues create space for citizens to speak openly about service delivery realities. While infrastructure improvements are commendable, sustainable accountability requires:
- Functional staffing systems
- Responsive leadership
- Improved staff conduct
- Reliable operational support
MACCO remains committed to strengthening citizen engagement mechanisms that promote transparency, responsive governance, and improved public service delivery across West Nile.