STDs on the rise among pupils in Mbale - survey

Misguided. Young mothers and their babies at a health centre in Bududa District recently. A survey indicates that most teenagers in Mbale District are engaging in early and unprotected sex. PHOTO BY LEONARD MUKOOLI

Mbale. Hundreds of school-going children in Mbale District have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because of engaging in early and unprotected sex, a study indicates.

A survey conducted in the month of September by Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a non-government organisation, shows that of 913 teenagers tested at various primary and secondary schools in the district, 218 (177 females and 41 males) were found with gonorrhoea.

The survey, which was conducted in 19 schools (six secondary and 13 primary) also found that 135 females and 56 males had urinary tract infections (UTI) and 207 females had candida.

The survey was done under the project titled, ‘Advocating for National Action, Integrating Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in Uganda’s Education System’.

Mr Jackline Nafuna, the project officer at FAWE, said the findings call for urgent interventions on issues of adolescent sexuality. “We have tried but more needs to be done, especially to sensitise the minors on how to manage their sexual reproductive health,” she said during a regional dialogue in Mbale Town at the weekend. Ms Nafuna said another challenge affecting teenager girls is vaginal candidiasis due to poor sanitation in schools and poor personal hygiene.

Mr David Omoding, the communication officer at FAWE, said women are at greater risk of long term complications from untreated infections.

“It is better that STDs infections are treated because the infections may ascend to the female reproductive tract and cause severe and chronic pain. They can even damage the female reproductive organs, which may prevent future pregnancy or cause ectopic pregnancy,” he said.

The chief administrative officer, Mr Esau Ekachalani, said the high prevalence of the infections in the district is a big concern.

“It shows that our children are engaging in sexual intercourse at a tender age,” he said, attributing it to increasing cases of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Compassion International, a non-government organisation, shows that teenage pregnancies in Mbale District have increased to 20 per cent from 10 per cent last year.

Ms Connie Nakayenze Galiwango, the district Woman MP, said government should put in more efforts to combat the HIV/Aids epidemic and other STDs among children.