Ibanda district, Uganda | September 15, 2026

aith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi) has officially returned to Ibanda District to expand its community health interventions, made possible with support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Building on the successes of the 2020–2022 Adolescent Policy Project—which established the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention and Mitigation Framework and helped reduce local teenage pregnancy rates from 16% to 14%—3FHi recently convened a refresher and retooling training for local Inter-Faith Religious Leaders.

Led by Rt. Rev. Bishop Amos Magezi, Bishop of Northwest Ankole Diocese and Chair of the 3FHi Board Programme & Policy Implementation Committee, the workshop equipped religious champions with actionable knowledge to address critical health challenges, including Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH), malaria, and sickle cell disease.

The high-level engagement brought together top district officials, civil society organizations, and key development partners to align on community health priorities.

District Leadership Endorsements

• Biira Evar, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO): Reaffirmed full support for the collaboration following recent engagements, emphasizing a shared commitment to working alongside religious leaders to reduce teenage pregnancies and elevate youth health outcomes.

• Betty Kwitegyetse, District Chairperson (LCV): Welcomed the 3FHi team back to the district, committing to multi-faith partnerships that expand SRH education and empower local families to make informed health decisions.

• Nabireba Godfrey, Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC): Highlighted the unique influence of cultural and religious figures in driving social change, encouraging sustained collaboration to tackle challenges facing adolescents.

• Okello Denis, Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO): Commended 3FHi for leveraging the extensive reach of faith institutions, noting that mobilizing religious leaders is vital for achieving lasting public health impact across Ibanda.

Rakai District, Uganda | September 14, 2026

On 14 September 2026, the Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi) convened trained Inter-Faith Religious and Cultural Leaders Health Champions in Rakai District for a targeted retooling and refresher training. The initiative focused on strengthening community action around Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Malaria control, and Sickle Cell prevention.

Supported by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, in partnership with the Rakai District Local Government Leadership and the Ministry of Health (MoH), this strategic initiative continues to invest in the capacity of trusted community influencers to drive sustainable health improvements at the grassroots level.

Strengthening Leadership & Community Health Action

The capacity-building session equipped Health Champions with updated technical insights, practical advocacy skills, and high-impact community engagement strategies. The training focused on:

• Strengthening Health Promotion: Building community awareness on priority health interventions.

• Tackling Misinformation: Equipping leaders to address myths and cultural barriers surrounding SRH and disease prevention.

• Facilitating Timely Healthcare Seeking: Encouraging early detection, proper diagnosis, and adherence to treatment.

• Mobilizing Communities: Leveraging trusted faith structures to champion evidence-based health behaviors.

The training also served as a milestone platform for expanding the Inter-Faith Alliance for Health in Rakai, promoting multi-sectoral coordination, local ownership, and collective advocacy.

 Key Strategic Priorities & Action Plan

Through a jointly developed leadership and action plan, the Inter-Faith Alliance in Rakai is prioritizing six critical health pillars:

1. Maternal & Child Health: Strengthening community demand for antenatal care (ANC) and advocating for facility-based deliveries supported by skilled birth attendants.

2. Male Involvement: Promoting the active engagement of men as supportive, decision-making partners in maternal, child, and reproductive health.

3. Family Planning: Expanding access to evidence-based information to support informed, voluntary family planning choices.

4. Adolescent Health: Enhancing community-led prevention and response mechanisms to reduce teenage pregnancy while supporting adolescent parents.

5. Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): Increasing awareness, prevention strategies, referral pathways, and survivor support across religious and cultural communities.

6. Malaria Prevention & Control: Boosting community adoption of prevention measures (including mosquito net utilization) and encouraging prompt care-seeking.

Kagadi District, Uganda | September 10, 2026

On September 10th , 2026, the Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi) convened trained Inter-Faith Religious and Cultural Leaders Health Champions in Kagadi District for a retooling and refresher session. Supported by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation in partnership with Kagadi District Local Leadership and the Ministry of Health (Uganda), the workshop focused on advancing community action around Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Malaria, and Sickle Cell prevention.

Religious and cultural leaders occupy a unique position of trust within their communities. Through this refresher training, these Health Champions were equipped with updated knowledge, practical tools, and evidence-based messaging to:

• Amplify Accurate Health Information: Clear up misconceptions surrounding reproductive health, malaria, and genetic conditions.

• Mobilize Communities: Lead grassroots sensitization and spark behavior change at the household level.

• Advocate for Investment: Drive local advocacy for improved health services and increased funding for community health infrastructure.

Mubende District, Uganda | September 8, 2026

Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi), with support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Mubende District Local Government, successfully convened and retooled inter-faith religious and cultural leaders across Mubende District.

The high-impact capacity-building workshop focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)—specifically maternal health, adolescent health, voluntary family planning, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)—while integrating critical messaging on malaria prevention and sickle cell disease awareness.

Key Highlights & Strategic Outcomes

• Data-Driven Action Planning: The Assistant District Health Officer (ADHO) presented a detailed SRH situational analysis for Mubende District. The key health gaps and community challenges highlighted during this presentation directly informed the development of the 2026/2027 District Inter-Faith Action Plans.

• Core Priority Areas: Empowered faith champions committed to mobilizing their congregations and communities to promote early Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance, encourage facility-based deliveries, curb teenage pregnancy rates, and address SGBV pathways.

• Strengthening the Inter-Faith Alliance: To ensure continuous implementation and accountability, the Mubende Inter-Faith Network for Health was revitalized, establishing clear leadership structures under a designated District Coordinator.

• Strong Administrative Endorsement: Representing district leadership, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) commended 3FHi and praised religious and cultural leaders for their irreplaceable role in community mobilization. To support the initiative, the Assistant RDC pledged tangible district resources, including free airtime on the RDC’s dedicated radio talk shows for health messaging and the use of the RDC Boardroom for future inter-faith coordination meetings.

• Policy & Resource Advocacy: Beyond grassroots mobilization, religious leaders identified key structural and operational health bottlenecks, shaping a targeted advocacy plan for ongoing engagement with local and national decision-makers.

By equipping faith leaders with evidence-based health insights and concrete action plans, 3FHi and Mubende District are strengthening community-led health governance and ensuring trusted voices drive sustainable health outcomes

Iganga District, Uganda | September 4, 2026
Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi), with support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and in collaboration with Iganga District Leadership, convened local inter-faith religious and cultural leaders for a comprehensive capacity-building and retooling workshop.
Building on 3FHi’s mission to empower trusted faith voices, the session focused on critical Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues—including maternal health, teenage pregnancy prevention, and addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The training also integrated key messaging on malaria prevention and sickle cell management, equipping champions with practical skills to draft actionable community engagement and advocacy plans.
Key Highlights

• Strong District Backing: The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) expressed strong endorsement for 3FHi’s model, emphasizing the vital role religious leaders play alongside incoming mental health specialists in protecting community well-being.

• Addressing Harmful Social Practices: Champions and local leaders united to call for an end to multi-day overnight disco events held during funeral mourning periods, citing them as high-risk environments that expose young people to harm and early pregnancies.

• Advocating for Health Infrastructure: Speaking on behalf of the District Health Officer, Ms. Kisira Joy commended 3FHi’s sustainable approach, noting that these trained champions will serve as key advocates for increased healthcare staffing across the district.

• Certification & Mobilization: To conclude the training, participants were awarded certificates officially recognizing them as 3FHi Health Champions, authorized to lead health mobilization within their respective religious and cultural networks.

KIbaale District, Uganda | September 9, 2026

Advancing Better Health Through SRH and Ministry of Health Priorities in Kibaale

On September 9, 2026, Faith for Family Health nitiative (3FHi) convened trained Inter-Faith Religious and Cultural Leaders Health Champions in Kibaale District for a comprehensive retooling and refresher training. The session focused on critical public health priorities, including Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Family Planning, and the prevention of Malaria and Sickle Cell disease.

Supported by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and delivered in partnership with local district leadership and the Ministry of Health, the training equipped Health Champions with the essential knowledge and skills needed to amplify health messages, foster preventive practices, drive positive social change at the grassroots level, and advocate for both improved health outcomes and increased resource investment in local health infrastructure.

Through this initiative, the Inter-Faith Alliance for Health was further strengthened with clear leadership structures and an actionable strategy focused on key priorities:

• Maternal Health: Promoting early antenatal care and supporting safe, facility-based deliveries.

• Family Planning: Expanding rights-based education and community access.

• Adolescent Health: Addressing teenage pregnancy and offering guidance on adolescent parenting.

• SGBV Prevention: Raising community awareness and supporting response mechanisms against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

• Disease Prevention: Integrating active Malaria and Sickle Cell prevention outreach into routine community engagements.

By leveraging their trusted influence, faith and cultural leaders are taking community action to new heights—amplifying local voices and advancing sustainable, better health outcomes for all residents in Kibaale.

Mityana District, Uganda | September 7, 2026

Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi), in partnership with Mityana District leadership and the Ministry of Health, and with support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, recently convened trained Interfaith Religious and Cultural Health Champions for a targeted retooling and refresher training.

The engagement focused on equipping champions with updated knowledge and practical skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Malaria prevention, and Sickle Cell awareness. By sharpening their capacity, these leaders are now better prepared to amplify critical health messages, advocate for increased local health investments, and champion positive behavior change at the grassroots level.

A key highlight of the training was the strengthening of the local Interfaith Alliance for Health. Participating leaders developed concrete, action-oriented plans focused on priority community health issues, including:

• Maternal Health: Promoting early antenatal care and safe facility-based deliveries.

• Family Planning & SRH: Providing accurate information and access to voluntary reproductive health services.

• Adolescent Health: Addressing teenage pregnancy and offering guidance on adolescent parenting.

• Gender-Based Violence: Preventing and responding to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

• Disease Prevention: Integrating vital messaging on Malaria prevention and Sickle Cell awareness across faith and cultural platforms.

Through sustained interfaith collaboration and community leadership, 3FHi remains committed to fostering healthier families, reducing preventable illnesses, and advancing health equity across Mityana District and beyond.

Date: 02nd September 2026

Location: Namayingo District

Partners: Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi), The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Namayingo District Local Government

Capacity Building for Inter-Faith and Cultural Health Champions in Namayingo

Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi),  with  financial support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation in partnership with  Namayingo District Leadership—including the Chief Administrative Officer, LCV Chairperson, District Community Development Officer, and District Health Officer (DHO)—convened a strategic retooling meeting for 3FHi-trained inter-faith religious and cultural health champions.

• Targeted Retooling: 3FHi equipped seven inter-faith religious and cultural leaders with updated knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), Malaria, and Sickle Cell Disease to address pressing local health needs.

• Action & Advocacy Planning: Insights shared by champions informed community-level action and advocacy plans focused on maternal health, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence (GBV), malaria prevention, and sickle cell awareness.

• Network Revitalization: The Inter-Faith Alliance for Health network was revived and strengthened, establishing clear leadership structures and defined roles to drive grassroots health efforts.

• Leadership Commendation: The LCV Chairperson praised 3FHi's model of empowering faith and cultural leaders (including the Kaawo Chiefdom leadership). He urged champions to integrate health messages into regular services and events to boost service uptake and protect young people.

• Advocacy for Policy & Staffing: The LCV highlighted the champions' critical role in advocating for improved SRH policies and urgent health sector investments, noting that district health staffing currently stands at just 27% against the recommended 80%.

• Certification & Recognition: Champions were awarded certificates recognizing their enhanced knowledge and skills. These credentials formally introduce and recommend the champions to district authorities as 3FHi representatives for future health engagements.

Date: 03rd September 2026

Location: Namutumba District

Partners: Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi), Ministry of Health, and Namutumba District Local Government

 

Following guidance from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, and Health Promotion Commissioner Dr. Richard Kabanda, alongside senior Ministry management, Faith For Family Health initiative (3FHi) convened a strategic engagement meeting with Namutumba District leadership—including the RDC, CAO, DHO, LC5 Parish Development Model Social Services Committee, and members of the District Health Services Committee.

• Champion Introduction & Integration: The 3FHi Executive Director formally introduced seven trained inter-faith religious and cultural health champions to district leadership, advocating for their inclusion in the Parish Development Model Social Services Committee and key technical working groups, such as the District Health Team.

• Support for SRH & Self-Care Action Plans: 3FHi called on district leadership to actively support these champions as they roll out community action plans focused on self-care and sexual and reproductive health.

• Antenatal Care Surge: Early antenatal facility attendance jumped from 21% to 47%, driven by faith and cultural leadership.
• Targeting High-Risk Areas: Champions are bridging critical information gaps to combat teenage pregnancy in remote sub-counties.
• Integrated Self-Care Support: Expanding HIV self-testing uptake, encouraging partner involvement, and promoting NCD prevention through community physical wellness and routine health checks.

Date: 25th August 2026

Location: Lweza Training and Conference Centre, Entebbe Road

Partners: Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi), Ministry of Health (MoH) Uganda, and Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH)National Dissemination of the Faith-Perspective Self-Care Handbook

Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi), in partnership with the Ministry of Health Uganda and Makerere University School of Public Health, has officially convened the National Interfaith Taskforce at Lweza Training and Conference Centre.

This key national gathering brings together religious leaders, cultural custodians, and multisectoral technical partners to adopt and disseminate the Self-Care Faith Perspective Handbook. The session marks a pivotal step toward cascading approved self-care frameworks and guidelines to sub-national levels, including upcoming district-level implementations across the Bukedi and Busoga regions.

Event Title: Community Dialogue & District Accountability Forum: Turning the Tide for Maternal and Adolescent Health

Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:25 PM EAT

Location: Butorwa Camp, Kanara Sub-County, Ntoroko District

Project Context: Uzazi Salama Project (Supported by Comic Relief)

Strengthening Health Outcomes for Mothers and Adolescents

As part of our ongoing commitment to improving community health and well-being, Faith for Family Health Initiative (3FHi) recently hosted a pivotal Maternal and Adolescent Health Community Dialogue in Kanara Sub-County, Ntoroko District.

The dialogue brought together local leaders, healthcare providers, community champions, mothers, and young people to engage in open, solution-oriented discussions around the health challenges facing mothers and adolescents in the region.
Key Highlights of the Dialogue

• Community-Led Solutions: Participants identified local barriers to accessing maternal and reproductive health services and discussed actionable, community-driven solutions.

• Adolescent Health & Empowerment: Dedicated sessions focused on addressing adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH), reducing teenage pregnancies, and encouraging supportive environments for young people.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Local district leaders and health officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and ensuring facilities in Kanara Sub-County are equipped to meet the needs of mothers and youth.

• Breaking Stigmas: The open forum provided a safe space for community members to discuss sensitive health topics, encouraging healthcare-seeking behaviors and male involvement in maternal health.

Moving Forward

The insights and recommendations gathered during this community dialogue will inform our continued outreach, mentorship programs, and advocacy efforts in Ntoroko District. We extend our sincere gratitude to the local leadership, health personnel, and community members of Kanara Sub-County for their active participation and dedication to building healthier families.

"When we prioritize the health of mothers and adolescents, we safeguard the future of the entire community."

 

• Targeting High-Risk Areas: Champions are bridging critical information gaps to combat teenage pregnancy in remote sub-counties.
• Integrated Self-Care Support: Expanding HIV self-testing uptake, encouraging partner involvement, and promoting NCD prevention through community physical wellness and routine health checks.

Empowering the Next Generation: 3FHi Joins Youth Convention to Advocate for Holistic Well-Being

Start date:  August 17, 2026, September 2026

Location: 32 Target Operational Districts across Uganda

Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kyenjojo August , 2026 — Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi)  is conducting  a targeted 1-day retooling workshop in 32 District, bringing together key Interfaith and Cultural Champions representing religious institutions, local leaders, youth, and women representatives.

The exercise is  part of 3FHi’s ongoing nationwide campaign across 32 focus districts aimed at equipping community faith structures with updated epidemiological data, SMART advocacy tools, and tracking mechanisms aligned with Ministry of Health (MoH) priorities and the national RMNCAH+N Sharpened Plan (2025/26–2030/31).