Capacity building through the establishment of a pre-hospital qualification to develop the first national paramedics in Uganda.
Situation:
Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death in Uganda, with increasing crash and fatality rates. A major issue is the lack of effective pre-hospital care and trained personnel, with fewer than 5% of victims transported by ambulance. This project supports the national EMS policy by establishing a pre-hospital qualification to train the first national paramedics. It aims to strengthen capacity, improve emergency care quality, and reduce preventable deaths.
Objectives:
Within 36 months, a national curriculum for pre-hospital emergency medical training will be developed by a working group led by a national expert. Medical personnel from 90% of Uganda’s regions will be trained in four cohorts and deployed in existing ambulances. Following stakeholder workshops, the Ugandan Ministry of Health (MoH) will formally accredit the qualification nationwide.
By the end of 2028, medical personnel from 90% of Uganda’s regions will be trained in pre-hospital emergency care, and at least 50% of existing ambulances will be staffed with trained personnel.
- Development and accreditation of the pre-hospital training curriculum
- Procurement of equipment
- Four cohorts from 90% of Uganda’s regions have successfully completed the training course
The project includes a national training needs assessment, development and accreditation of a pre-hospital curriculum with key stakeholders, and nationwide training of medical personnel supported by a Train-the-Trainer program. It also provides training equipment, a training ambulance, and strengthens the AAPU emergency care network.
Sustainability is ensured by training 60 local trainers through a Train-the-Trainer program. After funding ends, participants will contribute small course fees to cover costs. The project was requested by the Ministry of Health and aligns with national EMS strategy. Low-cost training materials support long-term implementation.
A key feature of this project is, above all, the close collaboration with the Ugandan Ministry of Health and the establishment of a continuing education program as an integral part of the national emergency medical system.
In addition, it became clear after the project began that the planned initial assessment would be scientifically monitored and subsequently published.
Further information:
