Expand sexual reproductive health services to all ages, govt told

Health workers should provide sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services to all age groups, a senior official at the Ministry of Health (MOH) has said, stressing the need for inclusivity in healthcare access.

Dr Roseline Achola, a technical specialist in family planning and self-care at the MOH, told journalists in Kampala on Saturday that Uganda’s constitution guarantees universal healthcare access.

“Young people face numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges, including teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, and HIV transmission. Providing them with accurate information will help them avoid situations and individuals that put their lives at risk,” Achola said.

Uganda has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the most recent Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, 24% of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 were pregnant or had already given birth as of last year.

“Our constitution defines anyone under 18 as a child, yet we see girls becoming pregnant at much younger ages. We cannot deny services to 10- to 17-year-olds who seek antenatal care. In our health system, antenatal services are provided to everyone, regardless of age,” Achola said.

Uganda’s National Policy Guidelines and Service Standards for Reproductive Health Services state that no third-party consent is required for an individual to access contraceptives.

“No verbal or written consent is needed from a parent, guardian, or spouse before a client can receive family planning services,” the guidelines read.

Despite government efforts, Uganda continues to grapple with high rates of adolescent pregnancy and child marriage, driven by poverty, cultural norms, and lack of access to contraceptives. Rights activists argue that comprehensive sexual education and greater access to reproductive health services are crucial in addressing the crisis.

Tatenda Songore, the executive director of Youth Advocates, emphasized the urgent need for better reproductive health education and services.

“Many girls end up in teenage pregnancies and child marriages because they lack the necessary information and services that could prevent these situations,” Songore said.

Uganda’s Ministry of Health policy stipulates that all sexually active individuals, regardless of age, are eligible for family planning services as long as they receive appropriate education and counseling. The policy also considers medical history, obstetric conditions, and personal preferences before prescribing contraception.

Achola urged parents to take an active role in educating their children about sexual and reproductive health.

“If parents don’t talk to their children, someone else will—possibly in a way that is misleading or harmful,” she warned.