Shiselweni – A group of 129 community health workers, locally known as Bagcugcuteli, have started pre-service training across three constituencies in the Shiselweni region as part of efforts to expand access to basic healthcare services in hard-to-reach communities.
The Ministry of Health, through its Community Based Health Services (CBHS) programme – formerly known as Rural Health Motivators – launched the 12-week training on 1 July 2025 in Maseyisini, Zombodze, and Shiselweni II.
According to the ministry, 37 of the trainees are under the age of 40, with the youngest being 26 years old. The programme is designed to prepare participants to deliver preventive, promotive, and rehabilitative health services within their communities.
Modules being taught include First Aid, maternal and child health, water sanitation and hygiene, communicable diseases such as HIV and TB, as well as non-communicable conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health.
In addition to the new trainees, current Bagcugcuteli already working in the field are also undergoing refresher courses to improve their competencies and remain up to date with emerging health challenges.
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