Bridging the Gaps: Low-cost multi-media approaches improve SRHR/FP practices among youth in the postconflict rural communities

of Northern Uganda
Presented by: Kenneth W. Buyinza, MD, MPHO Plan International Uganda

Session Objective
To demonstrate impact of integrated locally contextualised BCC approaches in Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights/Family Planning (YSRHR/FP) Lira District, northern Uganda
Promising Futures, Community by Community

4/8/2014

Background

Limited access to comprehensive SRHR information and services among youth due to:
Strong socio-cultural norms against Y/SRH
Unfriendly service delivery systems for youth

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Background (cont.)

Consequences:
Low CPR - 23% vs. 30% nationally High unmet need FP - 43% vs 34% nationally Unplanned births - 58% vs 44% nationally HIV prevalence - 8.5% Teen pregnancies - 26% vs 24% nationally Gender-skewed early marriage - 20% girls vs 1.8% boys

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Plan Uganda YSRHR Intervention

Objective: To improve knowledge & access through age-appropriate SRHR/FP information and life skills Target groups: Youth (13-24), influential adults, service providers Technical approaches: Peer-to-peer & multimedia mobilization and education

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Activities

Build capacity of youth peer-facilitators as change agents Peer-led SRHR information & life skills using interactive tools/games SRHR local forum theatre & behavior trigger videos

Radio programs and school debates on SRHR

Promising Futures, Community by Community

SRHR local forum theatre & trigger videos

Promising Futures, Community by Community

4/8/2014

Activities

Toll-free hotline for SRHR information, counselling & referral

Engagement of influential adults Mentor service providers in Youth Friendly Services (YFS) & communication skills Community-outreach model YFS for SRH/FP

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Toll-free hotline for SRHR information & referral

Reaching the toll-free Hotline platform for SRH - 0800 200 600

Promising Futures, Community by Community

4/8/2014

Results

Awareness on SRHR increased - 43% to 55.2%

Concurrent multiple sexual relations reduced 52% to 38.9% Abstinence increased by 7.8% Reported consistence in condom use increased by 18.2% Use of other modern FP increased from 23% to 44%.
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Challenges (1)

Post-conflict setting with weak public health system, characterised by:

Limited public financing & human resources Negative provider attitudes to YSRHR Distinct lack of Youth friendly spaces in facilities Irregular supply of RH/FP commodities

Gender-biased socio-cultural and religious norms against YSRHR & FP Lack of favorable YSRHR policies/guidelines

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Lessons Learned

Youth SRHR/FP programs in rural communities succeed when:

Activities are integrated and locally contextualised
Youth are involved and empowered as change agents

Influential adults are involved

Local health systems are strengthened to meet resulting demand
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Conclusion

Promote integrated but low cost, locally feasible approaches that empower both young people and duty bearers to:
Create an enabling environment for realization of YSRHR Empower young people to be champions of their own SRHR Enhance the capacity of local service systems to deliver Youth friendly SRHR services

Promising Futures, Community by Community

Thank you
Dr. Kenneth Buyinza Plan International Uganda Kenneth.Buyinza@plan-international.org

Promising Futures, Community by Community

4/8/2014

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