Start Date: November 2023 – Ongoing

Objective: To provide continuous education on sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on empowering teenagers and young adults in Uganda to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

Why It Matters

In Uganda, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is critical, especially for teenagers and young adults. Early pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and limited access to reproductive health services continue to pose significant challenges. By providing accurate information and resources, we aim to reduce these risks, empower young people to make informed choices, and ultimately improve public health outcomes.

Our Approach

1. School-Based Workshops
Since the campaign’s inception in November 2023, Real Health Uganda (RHU) has conducted numerous workshops in secondary schools across various districts. These workshops are designed to be interactive, providing students with practical knowledge on topics such as:

  • Puberty and adolescent health
  • Safe sex practices and contraception
  • Prevention and management of STIs
  • Consent and healthy relationships

Each session is tailored to be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, ensuring that students feel comfortable and engaged.

2. Distribution of Educational Materials
RHU has distributed thousands of brochures, posters, and booklets that cover essential SRH topics. These materials are available in both English and local languages to ensure accessibility for all students. The content is developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance.

3. Collaboration with Local Health Providers
We’ve partnered with local health providers to offer counseling services during and after our workshops. This collaboration ensures that students who need further guidance or support have immediate access to professional advice. Counseling sessions have been conducted both in-person and via telehealth services to accommodate different needs.

Current Status

The campaign is currently in full swing, with continuous engagement across schools and communities. Over the past few months:

  • Workshops: More than 50 workshops have been held in secondary schools, reaching over 5,000 students.
  • Counseling Services: Over 300 students have accessed one-on-one counseling sessions, either in person or through telehealth services.
  • Community Outreach: RHU has extended its educational efforts beyond schools, involving parents and guardians in community discussions to reinforce the information provided to young people.

Future Plans

1. Expansion to More Schools
RHU plans to expand the campaign to more schools across Uganda. Our goal is to reach at least 10,000 more students by the end of 2024. This expansion will include rural areas where access to SRH education and services is often limited.

2. Introduction of Peer Education Programs
We aim to introduce peer education programs within schools. These programs will train selected students as peer educators who can support their peers with accurate information and guidance. Peer educators will receive thorough training and resources to ensure they are well-prepared for this important role.

3. Enhanced Community Involvement
Future plans also include more comprehensive community involvement. RHU will work closely with local leaders, parents, and religious figures to ensure a supportive environment for young people as they learn about and navigate their sexual and reproductive health.

Call to Action

Support our ongoing efforts to educate and empower Uganda’s youth. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or concerned community member, your involvement can make a difference. Get in touch with RHU to find out how you can contribute to this vital campaign.