Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has made a significant impact on the health and well-being of youth in Mbarara District by offering free Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services during a medical outreach campaign from December 24 to December 31, 2024.
The initiative, carried out through RAHU’s clinic in Mbarara, provided critical health services to hundreds of young people in urban centers and remote communities across the region.
The outreach set up medical camps in locations such as Kakoba Roundabout, Nyamityobora HC II in Kizungu, Ruti Trading Center, Ruharo Trading Center/Kiyanja, Rwampara/Nyihanga, and Katereza.
Services included: HIV testing and counseling, Family planning consultations, Cervical cancer screening
Blood pressure checks, and Distribution of free condoms.
More than 100 community members, primarily youth, accessed these essential services. Beneficiaries like Ronald Natukunda praised the effort, saying, “We are always hustling, and it’s hard to find time to go to the hospital. I appreciate RAHU for bringing these services closer to us. Please continue caring for us.”
RAHU partnered with district health officers and deployed Peer Educators to engage communities, raising awareness about HIV prevention and the importance of SRHR.
The Assistant Nursing Officer at Kamunguzi Health Center II, Ms. Annet Nassanga, lauded the program for reducing transportation challenges and congestion at health facilities, ensuring more people could access timely care.
The outreach concluded with the Katereza Festival on December 31, 2024, which combined health education and service provision with entertainment.
The festival featured performances by Allan Toniks, Ray Signature, and Kachaina Comedy, alongside a football match, a movie screening, and a dazzling fireworks display to usher in the new year.
RAHU CEO Humphrey Nabimanya emphasized the importance of empowering young people with accurate SRHR information. He stated, “At RAHU, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting behavioral change among youth. This allows them to make informed choices about their health and contributes to reducing new infections while advancing Uganda’s progress toward the 90-90-90 treatment target.”
The outreach comes at a time when Uganda faces significant SRHR challenges:
HIV prevalence: According to the Uganda AIDS Commission, young people account for 34% of new HIV infections annually. The HIV prevalence rate among adults aged 15-49 stands at 5.4%, with women disproportionately affected.
Cervical cancer: This remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Ugandan women, with higher prevalence rates among HIV-positive individuals.
Family planning challenges: Despite progress, unplanned pregnancies remain a concern, particularly among HIV-positive individuals.
RAHU’s festive season initiative highlights the importance of targeted, community-based health interventions. By addressing the unique challenges faced by youth and marginalized groups, the campaign not only improves access to essential health services but also fosters long-term behavioral change and health awareness.
As Uganda enters the new year, initiatives like this provide hope for building healthier, empowered communities equipped to tackle pressing health issues.
