NATIONAL
By: AmolatarPostNews | Reporter
Northern, Uganda | The government and its development partners have rolled out a major youth-focused initiative aimed at improving access to sexual and reproductive health services across 13 districts in five sub-regions of Uganda, in a move expected to strengthen healthcare systems and empower young people with life-saving information and support.
The initiative, which will also reinforce services at regional referral hospitals in Jinja, Mbale, Moroto, Yumbe, Arua, and Gulu , is designed to address growing concerns surrounding adolescent health, teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and limited access to youth-friendly healthcare services.
Officials say the programme will focus on strengthening health systems, expanding access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information, and ensuring that young people-especially adolescents and vulnerable groups-can obtain safe, confidential, and supportive services without fear of stigma or discrimination.
According to programme implementers, the intervention will adopt a comprehensive and community-based approach that brings together health workers, schools, local leaders, civil society organisations, parents, and youth groups to create safer and more inclusive environments for young people.
The programme is expected to establish and strengthen youth-friendly corners in health facilities, train healthcare workers in adolescent-responsive care, and improve referral pathways for survivors of abuse and violence. It will also support mental health awareness, menstrual hygiene management, and HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives among young people.
In addition, safeguarding systems will be strengthened to protect children and adolescents from exploitation, abuse, early marriages, and harmful cultural practices. Communities will also benefit from awareness campaigns aimed at promoting open dialogue on reproductive health and encouraging young people to seek timely medical support and counselling services.
Programme coordinators noted that beyond healthcare delivery, the initiative seeks to empower young people through leadership and participation platforms where they can voice their concerns, influence community decisions, and contribute to policies affecting their wellbeing.
“Young people remain at the centre of Uganda’s future development, and investing in their health, safety, and empowerment is critical for building resilient communities,” one official involved in the implementation said.
The targeted districts were selected based on existing reproductive health challenges, service delivery gaps, and the high number of adolescents requiring specialised support and protection services.
Health experts have welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely effort that could help reduce teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, school dropouts, and other social vulnerabilities affecting young people across the country.
The programme is expected to run in phases, with continuous monitoring and engagement of local stakeholders to ensure sustainability and long-term impact in the beneficiary communities.
