Empowering Youth, Revolutionizing Health: Action Uganda’s Impact on International Youth Day
Young people are the future. Yet, too often, they are dismissed as being too young, too inexperienced, or too naive to have a real impact. However, youth empowerment is challenging these stereotypes and proving that young people have the power to make a difference. Whether it is through activism, entrepreneurship, or simply standing up for what they believe in, young people are taking charge and making their voices heard.
In this feature story, find out how Action 4 Health Uganda, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Youth Day on August 18th, 2023, showcasing an incredible youth focused Makapads innovation and taking centre stage across the airwaves of Voice of Kigezi radio, in Kabale district, with some of their incredible young people who are leading the way towards a brighter future.
In a remarkable display of commitment to the wellbeing of the youth and environmental sustainability, Action 4 Health Uganda, an implementing partner under TeamUp Uganda, came together with the global community to mark the International Youth Day on August 18th, 2023. The picturesque landscapes of Kabale District in South Western Uganda provided the perfect backdrop for this monumental event, which saw the convergence of the nation’s influential figures, including the President of Uganda and several high-ranking government officials.
Guided by the the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Action 4 Health played a pivotal role in contributing to the national coordination efforts for the commemoration.
The advocacy team embarked on a transformative journey to Kabale in a vibrant youth truck, complete with a state-of-the-art mobile sound system. This innovative initiative aimed to mobilize communities with messages on the benefits of condom use, contraception use and HIV prevention. The mobilization was to also inspire the masses to tune in to a radio talk show on the renowned “Voice of Kigezi,” where an estimated 20,000 listeners eagerly tune in daily.
During the mobilization exercise, conversations ranged from condom use and HIV testing to fostering awareness about menstruation. As a testament to their unwavering commitment, Action 4 Health ensured that condoms were distributed widely to all willing recipients, underscoring the importance of proper condom use to prevent HIV infection and pregnancy. With passion and expertise, the advocacy team and a youth champion from Mityana, delved into the subject of the role of youth in economic recovery, with focus on income generation and sexual reproductive health topics during the radio talk show.
“To the youths, I believe that we need to create opportunities for income generation instead of looking for them. We need to create our own work as youth and make our business plans a reality.” Said Vincent Matovu, a youth from Mityana and radio panellist. Such was the spirit that represented the youth. Abbu Kalange, a Program Officer for Youth at Action 4 Health Uganda urged the youth to have one sexual partner regardless of their religious affiliation, properly and consistently use condoms and to get tested for HIV at least twice in a year.
Health facilities should provide young people with youth-friendly services through youth corners in a bid to keep supporting the youth with sexual reproductive health services.” He affirmed. On the day of the International Youth Day, Action 4 Health erected an exhibition stall that showcased one of their pioneering innovations, The Makapads Initiative. Makapads is a sanitary making pad facility that has been set up in Malangala sub county, in Mityana district. The facility is focused in providing low-cost solutions to the need for sanitary pads for both schools going and out of school young people.
The facility is in its early stages of establishment with technical support from Technology 4 Tomorrow (T4T), which is currently is currently training the youth in the process of manufacturing eco-friendly and biodegradable sanitary pads using papyrus stalks. Makapads is financed by TeamUp Uganda and run by selected youth in Mityana. It will create sustainable jobs for income for the youths. This innovation has transcended the boundaries of conventional solutions, making waves as a biodegradable and economically accessible sanitary pad crafted from Papyrus. These pads are not only addressing the pressing reproductive health concerns faced by school-going and non-school going youths in Mityana but are also staunch advocates for environmental preservation.
Through their unwavering dedication, Action 4 Health Uganda, in collaboration with their partners and the youth of Uganda, has sparked a transformative movement that connects youth empowerment, reproductive health, and environmental conservation. Their innovative strides not only enhance the lives of countless young individuals but also epitomize the power of collective action in steering towards a brighter, more sustainable future. As their ripple of impact spreads far and wide, they inspire us all to take a step forward, make a change, and illuminate the path for generations to come.
By Charity Ainembabazi
