BY MARIAM NAMAKULA
Uganda Red Cross has launched a first-aid blended learning tool aimed at bridging the gap between pre-hospital emergency care and advanced medical treatment. The tool is designed to equip first responders and bystanders with vital life-saving skills during emergencies such as road crashes, which remain one of the leading causes of death in Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. John Baptist Waniaye, Commissioner for Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, said a 2023 mid-term review revealed a huge knowledge gap among Ugandans, with many bystanders willing to help during accidents but unsure of what assistance to give.
“This initiative will strengthen pre-hospital emergency care, improve the national ambulance system, and ultimately reduce deaths caused by delayed or inadequate intervention,” Dr. Waniaye said. He added that with over 14 million Ugandans owning smartphones, the digital tool is expected to have wide reach.
The Red Cross blended tool combines online and practical training. It covers 17 topics built on six core principles, with an average of six hours of online study followed by a one-day physical session. The full training package costs Shs150,000.
Police spokesperson SP Michael Kananura welcomed the innovation, saying it addresses a longstanding challenge of limited time for officers to attend physical lessons. “With this app, officers can learn from their workplaces and gain the knowledge they need as first responders. This will save lives,” he said.
The tool was developed with support from NITA-U, academics, and international partners, including Belgium. It is the first of its kind in Uganda’s humanitarian innovation space, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and promoting digital inclusion across rural and urban areas.
Officials from the Ministry of Education also praised the initiative, noting that students spend most of their time at school where accidents are common, making first-aid knowledge essential. “We have seen cases of drowning, field accidents, and other emergencies. Teachers and learners must be empowered to respond,” said ministry representative Mr. Ssemakula.
Government policy already requires every village to have at least two people trained in first aid. The Red Cross says the new tool will reinforce such measures and ensure timely, lifesaving responses at community level.
