10TH December 2023 will be the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s ground breaking global pledges, the universal declaration of the human rights, with the theme DIGNITY, FREEDOM and JUSTICE for all. The human rights list has up to 30 mandates that are basic to every human alive, however for today, let’s concentrate more on Sexual and reproductive health rights.
Women’s sexual and reproductive health encompasses a range of topics, including contraception, maternal health, sexually transmitted infections and overall well-being. Regular checkups, education and open communication with health care providers are essential for maintaining good reproductive health.
Sexual and Reproductive health rights enable you to make informed decisions about your sexual and reproductive health. These include access to;
- Information, education and services related to contraception, family planning and the ability to choose if, when and how many children to have.
- Safe and satisfying sexual life free from discrimination, coercion and violence.
- To non-discrimination in the allocation of resources to health services, their availability and accessibility.
- To autonomy and privacy in making sexual and reproductive decisions.
- To informed consent and confidentiality in relation to health services.
- Spousal consent to sterilization.
Though Uganda has a national adolescent health policy that aims to streamline adolescent health concerns into the national development process to improve youths’ quality of life and standard of living, there are still some deficits that negatively impact on youths’ sexual and reproductive health. These gaps include;
- Limited access to reproductive healthcare services.
- Inadequate resources.
- Lack of awareness about one’s rights.
- Limited access to education and healthcare.
- Cultural barriers.
- Legal restrictions.
In order to best address these sexual and reproductive health rights gaps, greater insight into;
- Education and access to information regarding sexual and reproductive health rights
- Access to the services especially family planning and contraception
- Policies that empower decision making
- Nondiscriminatory allocation of resources to health services
Is required for the best of the desired results.