Journalist cum entrepreneur Phillip Andrew Mwebaza. PHOTO/FILE/HANDOUT
As a child, Phillip Andrew Mwebaza occasionally joined his mother during her prison health camps. Now a retired nurse, Ms Joy Nsamba used to treat prisoners and underserved community members who were living close to the prisons, she would visit during the health camps.
“I would accompany my other and watch as she provided care to people who arrived in pain but left with a smile. This experience inspired me to make a difference in people’s lives.”
The second time he interacted with health-related matters was during his internship while studying Mass communication at university.
“I was given placement at Reach a Hand Uganda, where I conducted peer educator sessions focusing on sexual reproductive health and rights,” Mwebaza recounts.
Birth of a dream
During his second year at the university, Mwebaza joined mainstream journalism where he freelanced with one of the local broadcast media companies, specialising in health and science reporting. It was here that he noticed the gaps in health communication.
“I noticed the limitation in airtime dedicated to health information, often squeezed into tiny segments or weekly shows. This observation sparked my passion for using alternative platforms to share health knowledge,” says the journalist turned social entrepreneur.
Mwebaza’s realisation of a gap in health communication sparked the idea for the African Health Grid Foundation (AFHEG).
Laying the foundation
In 2020, he attempted to start AFHEG, but he lacked the skills needed to execute it effectively. Through leadership training, mentorship, and gaining practical experience he was able to refine the vision and officially launch the foundation in 2023.
Now the chief executive officer of AFHEG, Mwebaza notes that the foundation is a nonprofit organisation that champions health literacy in Uganda. He says to get to where he is right now, he had to invest a lot in edifying himself.
“I have undertaken several leadership programes, including the YALI Regional Leadership Programme and the Aspire Leaders Programme by Harvard University. I have also completed specialised courses in health communication and strategic communication at Aga Khan University,” Mwebaza highlights.
Additionally, Mwebaza’s skills in health communication were refined through the Content Catalyst Programme by the Media Challenge Initiative and the French Embassy.
“The mentorship and training significantly enhanced my work in health literacy advocacy. Through the programme, I gained skills in digital storytelling, content creation, and audience engagement, enabling me to communicate complex health information in more accessible ways. It also strengthened my ability to use multimedia tools, from podcasts to gamified learning,” he explains.
Adding: “In addition to my academic and leadership background, I am a certified digital marketer by Google and previously worked as a content creator with iStock.” With this education background and exposure to leadership training, Mwebaza’s foundation is meant to build a health-literate community of young people through advocacy, creative storytelling, gamified learning, and innovation.
“At AFHEG, we focus on empowering communities by providing accurate health information that reduces the burden of preventable diseases. We are community-centred, conducting needs assessments and co-creating solutions to address specific health challenges.”
The initiatives
Mwebaza implements his vision through various initiatives that are birthed through endless research and networking; some of these initiatives include the Health Defenders Programme.
“This programme trains young leaders to promote good health practices in their communities, covering topics such as malaria prevention, maternal health, and sanitation,” he shares.
“Young people perform skits and recite poems that transform abstract health topics into relatable messages, ensuring they resonate with diverse audiences. This creative approach not only informs but also fosters a sense of community involvement and shared responsibility.”
“I also run Smarty Info Hub a digital platform that simplifies health information for young people. It delivers health information in various formats, such as podcasts, animations, online courses, and games to make learning accessible and engaging for everyone.”
Mwebaza developed Superbugs Clash, a board game as a way of communicating about health.
“This is a collaborative board game designed to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and teach players how to make informed decisions about antibiotics use.” Superbugs Clash simplifies complex issues like antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into engaging and easy-to-understand scenarios, making it particularly effective for young people and underserved communities.”
Recognition
In 2024, Mwebaza’s work in health literacy was recognised. He was the first runner-up at the Heroes in Health Awards organised by the Ministry of Health under the Media Excellence Category and at the end of 2024, the foundation won the Best Media Innovation Award at the Media Challenge Awards. His work was recognised for its unique approach.
“Our approach moves beyond traditional methods such as lectures and brochures,” he expounds.
To expand its reach, AFHEG uses digital platforms and podcasts to audiences in both online and offline spaces, ensuring that health education remains accessible and relevant.
Reach of the organisation
With the support from volunteers; mostly colleagues from the media team with whom Mwebaza ministers at his local church and family, their work has made an impact in several areas. He explains that the Smarty Info Hub has been watched by more than 36,000 people, spreading critical health and climate knowledge to a broad audience.
“The Health Defenders programme has grown with active Health Defenders increasing to 50 volunteers, who are championing climate-health practices in their communities,” says the CEO.
He says the rollout of the Superbugs Clash Kampala edition has begun in schools and communities, and the game has already been played by more than 100 individuals. The game has also interested leading health research organisations.”
The foundation’s Health Defender Clubs and peer sessions in schools have directly impacted more than 2,000 students, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to address health challenges.
Funding
Mwebaza explains that these programmes are primarily self-funded through personal savings and the goodwill of family and close supporters who believe in the foundation’s mission.
“While this approach has its challenges, it has encouraged us to think creatively and maximise the potential of collaborating with other organisations,” he says.
