Collaborative Solutions to Teenage Pregnancies in Busoga: Insights from the Regional Health Assembly

By Daphine Ayebare- Communications Assistant at Amref Health Africa in Uganda

Location: Jinja District, Uganda

The recent Busoga Regional Health Assembly, held from September 4th to 5th, 2024, in Jinja district, marked a significant milestone in addressing health challenges within the region. This inaugural assembly brought together key stakeholders from 11 districts and Jinja City, focused on evaluating the regional health sector’s performance over the past fiscal year (FY2023/2024). This year’s theme, “Improving Health Services in the Busoga Region through Multi-Sectoral Collaboration,” underscored the urgent need for collective action to tackle the region’s pressing health issues.

The Challenge of Teenage Pregnancy

One of the most alarming issues discussed at the assembly was the high prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the Busoga region. With an average prevalence rate of 21% across most districts, teenage pregnancy remains a critical concern. This issue significantly contributes to school dropouts, maternal and child health risks, and perpetuates the cycle of poverty in the region.

Uncovering the Root Causes

In a bid to understand the underlying drivers of teenage pregnancies, the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program conducted the  “No More Silence” interactive Radio campaign in collaboration with TRAC FM.  The findings from this campaign revealed several contributing factors:

• Natural Curiosity: Adolescents’ natural curiosity about sexual health and relationships.
• Economic Necessity: Economic pressures leading to risky behaviors.
• Lack of Accountability: Absence of formal accountability mechanisms for teenage fathers.
• Stigma: Widespread stigma surrounding condom use, which hinders open discussions about sexual health.

Insights and Recommendations

Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, Country Manager of Amref Health Africa in Uganda and a key partner in the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action programme, emphasized the importance of leveraging these insights to develop targeted interventions. During the assembly, he stated, “We must utilize these findings to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and work towards a future where every young person in Busoga can thrive.”

Recognition and Future Directions

The Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program was recognized for its significant contributions to improving the health and lives of people in Busoga, particularly young people, women, and children. The Heroes Team, led by Dr. Kagurusi, received a Certificate of Appreciation for their efforts.

Amref Uganda is currently implementing 2 projects in the Busoga region to address the challenge of teenage pregnancy.

As we look forward to the National Joint Review Mission/Health Assembly in October 2024, the outcomes of the Busoga Regional Health Assembly will be instrumental in shaping the national health agenda. Addressing teenage pregnancies through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach promises to create a more supportive environment for the next generation, ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

About the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action Program

The Heroes for Gender Transformative Action program is designed to tackle key Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) barriers in nine high-burden districts in Uganda. Implemented by a consortium of Amref Health Africa in Uganda, Cordaid Uganda, and MIFUMI, the program empowers young girls, boys, and women to make informed decisions about their SRHR and to resist Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), a severe form of gender inequality impacting health outcomes.

By working together and leveraging the strengths of each partner, the Heroes program aims to promote synergies and drive meaningful change in the Busoga region and beyond.

For more information, visit https://amref.org/uganda/programmes-2/

Community Voice

At just 16 years old, Maureen Ndiboogeza was left to care for herself and her baby after the boy who got her pregnant during the COVID-19 lockdown disappeared. Struggling on her own, her future seemed uncertain until the Action to Scale Up project stepped in, offering her hope and a fresh start by providing tailoring skills.

We train every day of the week at the sub-county offices. I have gained a valuable skill in tailoring. I am now able to sew anything, beyond that, even repair the sewing machine if need arises. The best part is that I feel economically empowered. With the money I am making, I can now afford to buy basic needs for myself and my baby which was not the case previously. My child is a healthy 3-year old now. My self-worth has increased because at home, “nange mpulira ndiwana” (I feel valuable)

In the future, I hope to become a professional tailoring instructor like Mr. Sanon, our teacher whom I deeply appreciate. I would also like to thank Amref for restoring our hope for a brighter future.

Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa teams up with African communities to create lasting health change.