Are you ready for the #IUDUg20???
Theme
“COVID-19 and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in Higher Learning Institutions Navigating Uncertainties”.
ABOUT THE IUD
Since 2014, Reproductive Health Uganda, in conjunction with Makerere University and State and Non state actors organizes the Inter University Dialogue on Sexuality. This dialogue and dissenting platform sponsors policy dialogue between decision makers and Young people in higher institutions of learning directly in a renewed call to action to accelerate efforts to promote adolescent health programing in learning institutions. Relatedly , it aspires to promote Sexual health as a fundamental human right to all people’s including Young People. 2,000 participants virtually and 50 participants physically reached from across Higher institutions of learning in Uganda including Students, top academics, health professionals and media.
Context
Notably ,Limited access to SRHR services and information during COVID-19 is ,and will continue to fuel uncertainties, uninformed sexual decisions and choices, increasing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions putting several lives of many young people in higher learning institutions at risk. This pandemic is presenting complete lockdown of both public and private learning institutions increasing inequality and vulnerabilities of the poor especially young people. It continues to illuminate the several gaps that exist in policies, service provision, and information access, especially for several young people in higher learning institutions since condoms, contraceptive pills and many SRH commodities and services have been deemed non-essential ,therefore became a luxury.
Evidently, Uganda institutions of higher learning from several studies indicating that University Students aged 18-24 years face many sexual and reproductive health challenges, spiritual and emotional, conflicting cultural norms and practices as well as modernization challenges.
According to UNESCO’s Situational analysis report on sexuality education and ASRH in universities and Tertiary institutions (2018), overall 69% of university students are sexually active with a higher proportion among males. 64% of university students had their first sexual encounter at the age of 18-24 years, ideally the average period of a university education. Additionally, there is inadequate information on the level of access to sexuality education and SRH services by University students in Uganda.
Relatedly ,Ugandan Government has made tremendous effort to date and has put in place several policy provisions as well as actions to address adolescent health concerns including; Uganda National Youth Policy, 2016, The National Strategy to end child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy, ( 2014/2015 – 2019/2020), Adolescent Health Policy Guidelines and Service Standards (Third Edition, 2011), National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan (2015/2016- 2019/2020), Presidential Fast Track Initiative on Ending HIV/AIDS by 2030, One dollar initiative Uganda
However Government policy aspirations remain unachieved, with several adolescent health related policies and guidelines remaining in draft, contested, unfunded and un operational for years. For example, The National Framework on Sexuality Education in Uganda (2018-2023)-currently contested and not operational. The National school Health Policy-in draft since 2001-unfunded, not operational. The National Health Policy for Adolescents, 2018 currently in draft, contested.
Aspirations
- To continue provide an open Safe space where young people critically voice, reflect and share their lived realities with key stakeholders on SRHR services access during COVID-19 .
Objectives
- To examine challenges and strategic way forward in addressing Sexual Health uncertainties within Uganda’s higher institutions of learning.
- To reflect on emerging evidence for SRHR advocacy issues to the COVID-19 pandemic responses.
- To enable actors at various levels to understand and commit to their roles/responsibilities in promoting SRHR for better health outcomes.
Outcomes
- A more empowered group of young people with increased knowledge, skills and tools to act and influence favorable policies on SRHR in Uganda
- Enhanced commitment and momentum for accelerated action. together beyond the dialogue.
- Expansion of key partnerships to deliver accelerated action.
- An electronic record of the keynote addresses and panel discussions, and the accelerated action plans developed and agreed to within the dialogue contributed to by all those who join in.
Methodology
- Shared Self-recorded voices of diverse University students on SRHR Challenges during COVID19
- Running real time online engagement to inform the discussions for those participants that will not be invited to physically attend.
- Key Speeches from Key note speaker and Guest of Honor
- Panel /Open discussions and paper presentations Edutainment
- Audio-Visual live TV streaming /#IUDUg19Live (Live broadcasts on RHRN and RHU social media Platforms)
- Exhibition booth and brand promotion
- Press briefing with various media houses
#IUDUg20 will take place both Virtually and Physical on Saturday November 21st, 2020, from 10:00am – 1:00pm (EAT) at the Auditorium, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Makerere University Please register early and plan to join in the dialogue on time on https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_d87tXnwbQuqYJA4VGKNGAw .More details and program will be sent later, Contact ; Alex Craig Kiwanuka, Youth Officer-RHU, Dialogue Coordinator ,+256755488988, ackiwanuka@rhu.or.ug
