Journalists and health experts unite to enhance SRHR reporting

19 July 2024, 12:14 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

A meeting organised by the Communications unit at the Ministry of Health brought together health reporters to address Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) challenges in Uganda, including the alarming fact that 34% of maternal deaths involve young women and adolescents. This high mortality rate is primarily due to inadequate access to healthcare, lack of information, and socio-economic challenges. The meeting aimed to ensure the media is well-oriented with comprehensive knowledge on SRHR reporting.

The meeting, supported by HIVOS, involved Ugandan journalists and youth advocates from Zimbabwe. These participants engaged in conversations about access to SRHR services and the importance of accurate reporting on these issues.

Uganda’s high fertility rate, particularly in regions like Bukedi and Karamoja, contributes to teenage pregnancies. Statistics indicate that one in four (25%) girls aged 15-19 years have had a child or are pregnant. According to the Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS, 2022), teenage pregnancy rates have stagnated at 24% but have increased from 19% to 21% in urban areas.

Emmanuel Ainebyoona noted improvements in health reporting over past years but stressed the need for ongoing training for journalists. He emphasised the importance of international benchmarking and collaboration.

Regions such as Arua, Madi Okollo, Zombo (West Nile region), Bududa, Hoima, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, and Kamuli still report high levels of teenage pregnancy. The meeting discussed interventions including sexual education, involvement of cultural leaders and politicians in advocating for contraceptive use, and enforcement of laws to protect children from sexual violence. Additionally, there was talk about the need for safe abortions and the use of safe pills.

Dr. Roselline Achola, Technical Specialist on SRHR and Self-Care at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that many girls face challenges in returning to school after pregnancy. Among women who seek antenatal care, those aged between 25-49 visit health facilities regularly, 20-24 go occasionally, 15-19 rarely go, and those under 15 do not go at all. This contributes to 34% of maternal deaths in Uganda and a high rate of HIV infections, with 70% of new infections among young people.

Dr. Olive Sentumbwe, WHO’s technical expert on reproductive, maternal, and newborn health in Uganda, attributed maternal deaths to three delays that is personal issues, lack of information and distance to health facilities. She emphasised the need to support young people and advised the media to report positively, focusing on solutions.

Dr. Sentumbwe also highlighted that SRHR issues affect not only health but also mental well-being, economic growth, and social isolation. She urged young people to avoid risky sexual activities to prevent long-term effects from emergency pills, such as loss of pregnancy and irregular bleeding.

The media was encouraged to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by raising awareness, educating the public on SRHR issues, and collaborating with SRHR activists and health professionals for accurate and comprehensive reporting. The meeting also emphasised the need to use and advocate for condoms, especially female condoms, whose usage currently stands at only 1%. Journalists were advised to undergo orientation sessions to better understand and communicate these issues effectively.