WAKISO – On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, Family Medical Point (FMP) conducted a moonlight outreach at Nakiwogo Landing Site, a fishing community in Wakiso District, Uganda. The event aimed to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among marginalized groups, including sex workers, young people, and women.
According to Ms. Polyne Nabwire, Head of Programmes at FMP, the initiative sought to raise awareness about SRHR, provide essential commodities like condoms, and offer HIV counseling and testing services. The outreach is part of FMP’s ongoing mission to reach underserved populations in fishing landing sites and remote areas.
Ms. Namayega Suzan, head of Youths Plus in Nakiwogo, emphasized the importance of the outreach program. “Our aim is to aid people in getting basic healthcare because it was found that HIV is becoming more common in young people. We are here to educate people, especially the young, to prevent HIV contraction.”
“Our focus is on educating the youth on HIV prevention, especially in this fishing community where girls often engage in transactional sex without protection to survive.”
She noted that the recent US Presidential Executive Order halting USAID funding has raised concerns that HIV/AIDS cases may skyrocket.
“Our services, including counseling, condoms, PREPS, and PEPS, are currently free, but we fear they will become scarce and costly. The demand for these services is high in our area, and we worry about the impending disaster when funding eventually stops.”
Ms. Namugwanya Martha, a resident of Nakiwogo landing site, shared her concerns about the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among sex workers in the area. “Most female sex workers here do not care about protection much, as men have given them money, which has led to HIV/AIDS multiplication in the area. Our worry is that the situation might worsen after the US closed health sector funding.”
Komugisha, a female sex worker at the landing site, echoes this concern. “Our primary worry is protection, which safeguards us against both HIV and unplanned pregnancies.”
However, with the impending closure of USAID funding, Komugisha fears for her future. “I won’t promise to stop engaging in sex work, but I’m anxious about what’s next. This is my only source of daily income, and I have responsibilities to fulfill.”
Ms. Nabwire emphasized the need for accurate information about HIV/AIDS in rural and hard-to-reach locations. “Fishing communities present a high prevalence rate of HIV, with studies averaging between 12% and 20%, compared to the 6% national prevalence rate,” she noted.
During the outreach, FMP provided voluntary services, including family planning, free consultations, HIV testing, STI and UTI treatments, and child and maternal care.
Another sex worker commended Family Medical Point, noting that, “Before Family Medical Point came to our community, I had no idea where to go for help. I was afraid of going to the health center because of the way people looked at me. Sometimes, we don’t even have condoms, and we are forced to use ‘akavera’-polythene paper-to protect ourselves from unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Seeing FMP arrive with condoms, knowing I can take as many as I need without judgment, gives me hope. It reminds me that organizations still care about our well-being as sex workers. The moonlight outreach is a lifesaver for many of us who cannot access services during the day due to stigma or fear. Now, I can get tested, talk to someone who understands, and take control of my health.”
Moses Odongo, Executive Director of Family Medical Point, emphasized the need for sustained financial support to ensure access to life-saving SRHR services. “At Family Medical Point, we believe that access to SRHR is a fundamental human right. We need the government, donors, and other stakeholders to join us in this fight.”
Family Medical Point urged the Government of Uganda to take urgent steps to address the SRHR needs of marginalized communities.
Other key recommendations include increasing the health budget, strengthening domestic financing, implementing policies to reduce stigma and discrimination, and expanding community-based SRHR programs.
As the moonlight outreach came to a close, the community members expressed their appreciation for the services provided. Family Medical Point remains committed to supporting marginalized communities in Uganda, ensuring that they have access to essential healthcare services and information.
