Wish Program and the Ministry of Health Launch the Adolescent and Youth Responsive SRH Outreach Programs in Higher Institutions of Learning.

The Wish Program in partnership with the Ministry of Health launched the WISH2ACTION adolescent and youth responsive sexual reproductive health services outreach programs among institutions of higher learning on the 29th March, 2022.

The event was attended by student leaders from Islamic University in Uganda , Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Busitema University and Kampala International University.

The Wish program partnered with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Marie Stopes International (MSI), Options, Humanity and Inclusion, and the International Rescue Committee to implement Lot 2, also called WISH2ACTION. They are delivering multimedia campaigns directing people towards sexual health services and promoting modern contraceptive use.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide a platform for engaging university students on issues of sexual reproductive health,HIV, sexual gender based violence, mental health, alcohol and substance abuse.

Dr. Mugahi Richard from the Ministry of Health speaking at the Launch

Speaking at the event Dr. Mugahi Richard from the Ministry of Health said, “If we want to achieve what we want as a country we need to put emphasis on the health of young people for the next 10 years. We have the capacity to do that if all partners harmonise their approaches and strategies”

“During the COVID19 pandemic we experienced a dual pandemic of teen pregnancies and there is likelihood of HIV and STIs since they move together. That is why we need integrated efforts to address all issues sorrounding young people’s health,  socially,  mentally. I want to assure Ministry of Health  support for partners working with young people to ensure their health.” he added

Dr. Mugahi Richard also talked about the need to produce a university graduate who is empowered holistically through providing information on their sexual reproductive health and rights.

“We reach out to young people through social media, talkshows and some physical activities in different universities and empower young people with knowledge about their Sexual Reproductive Health Rights,” said Brendan Katushabe a young Champion from Own Your Future Uganda.

Own Your Future Uganda’s Joshua Kingdom, Sabrina and Brendan Katushabe speaking at the Launch.

Joshua Kingdom another young Champion from Own Your Future Uganda said that, “We have held debates and conferences where we have engaged celebrities and role models like Maggie Kigozi to champion information on sexual reproductive health to young people.”

“Our parents shy away from talking about sex & respond only when we make mistakes. We are standing up to say we need information & we want to bring parents on board through media, social influencers and as mentors”.

Sabrina also a young Champion from Own Your Future Uganda noted that, “Our parents shy away from talking about sex & respond only when we make mistakes. We are standing up to say we need information & we want to bring parents on board through media, social influencers and as mentors.”

The WISH2Action project director Dr. Annette Nagudi had this to say while speaking in the meeting, “For every young person seeking SRH informs and services, RHU has over 20 clinics across the country with services for young people. Reach out to any of these clincs for more information.”

Dr. Annette Nagudi speaking at the Launch of the WISH2ACTION program.

“There is need to train health teams/workers in university health facilities so as to ensure that they meet students with youth friendly services,” Dr. Annette added.

Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is a Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and its core mandate is to champion, provide and enable universal access to rights based Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services to vulnerable and underserved communities and to young people. The role of the engagement with RHU and its partners is to ensure that SRHR are respected, protected and fulfilled as a goal in itself, and as a fundamental means to gender equality, human well-being and sustainable development.