The COVID 19 pandemic lockdown has accelerated teenage pregnancies in Uganda.

But, the girls at greatest risk of getting pregnant and more vulnerable to Click here about UNFPA early marriages are often those dwelling in hard to reach areas. They come from poor families, marginalized groups or rural areas. They are also more likely to be out of school than their unmarried peers, robbed of the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Child marriage can lead to further isolation from family, friends and communities, and threaten girls’ livelihood and health.

Demeter Margret Namuyobo standing in Middle Counsels Clients before Tubal Litigation Procedure at Ataik HCIV – compressed

In July 2021, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), launched a mapping programs and a pilot camp in Amuru district of Uganda, (pilot camp in Amuru news) to tackle child marriage in 13 of the most high-prevalence or high-burden districts like Kasese, Arua, Amuria, Kitgum, Amudat Kyegegwa, Amuru, Kapchorwa, Kampala, Madi – Okollo, Tororo, Kween, Moroto of Uganda.

RHU’s drive towards ending child marriage has never been stronger, with several resolutions by the Ugandan government and accenting to United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council urging countries to increase investments in eliminating the practice.

According to Demeter Margret Namuyobo, RHU Medical Coordinator, the program to end child marriages involves increased capacity building in district local governments, carry out integrated sexual reproductive and health rights (SRHR) camps. The camps will provide free reproductive health training, counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, HIV and information aimed at easing Sexual, cervical cancer screening and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

“we are targeting teenagers, people with disabilities, women and men who are marginalized and in hard to reach areas” Namuyobo says.

The mapping in the district was done and the district COVID 19 task force and Health departments will work under strict standard operating procedures to curb COVID 19 until October 2021.

Dr. Okoth Obbo, Tororo District Health Officer applauds RHU and partners for coming up with this venture to end child marriages.

“the teenage pregnancy is high at 26%, but could increase if nothing is done in Tororo district” Dr. Okoth says. Click here for more News

Other health officers and Resident district Commissioners (RDC’s) from 12 districts have also been contacted for the program to take off.

Alice Akello, RDC Madi – Okollo says RHU – UNFPA are always in the district helping to ease the challenges faced in sexual reproductive and health rights access in the district.

“I am happy this program comes at the right time when we have increasing teenage pregnancies in Madi – Okollo” Ajio says.

In lower Madi – Okollo during the 42 days lockdown in 2021, 121 teenage pregnancies were registered and 102 early marriages. Click here for more News