In a bid to increase access and use of quality, inclusive and integrated sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and HIV services among vulnerable and young people living in the slums of Kawempe, AFFCAD Uganda, in partnership with Alive Medical Services, held an outreach event in August 2022 in Bwaise.
Young people in Uganda face a variety of sexual and reproductive health risks, especially those living in urban slums. Experience over the past decade has shown the best way to address HIV among young people, including slums: programs and resources must focus on adolescents and youth who engage in risky behaviours.
The outreach focused on areas of sexual reproductive health, HIV prevention and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention targeting vulnerable youth, street children, teenage mothers, orphans, slum dwellers and young people living with HIV.
AFFCAD was able to reach out to 75 young people at the event (34 male and 41 female), with information on SRHR, family planning services, sexually transmitted infections and HIV screening and treatment for those in need.
‘As youth we are usually shy about going to health facilities to access SRHR services, but when these services are brought closer to us, we are able to get the service easily.’ – Naklyango Mary, a resident of Nabukalu Zone in Bwaise
Outreach efforts like these ensure that young people are able to access SRHR services. They are the ones most susceptible to STIs, HIV and GBV and these efforts help them to lead healthy lives.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our generous donors. If you would like to help young people like these become financially self-sufficient, you can donate here.