Following the U.S. government’s recent decision to impose a 90-day pause on all foreign assistance, including funding for programs supported by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Family Medical Point has urged the Ugandan government to increase funding for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.
The call was made during a community outreach event at Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe, where Family Medical Point provided SRHR services to over 1,000 people.
The U.S. has played a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system by addressing major health concerns such as tuberculosis (TB), malaria, maternal and child health, family planning, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, U.S. funding contributes to economic growth, agricultural productivity, education, and democratic governance by promoting inclusive and accountable institutions.
In Uganda, USAID’s 2023 budget stood at $458 million (UGX 1.6 trillion), supporting emergency aid, healthcare, and essential services. In the fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of State reported that the U.S. provided over $471 million (UGX 1.7 trillion) in health and development assistance, along with nearly $182 million (UGX 669 billion) in humanitarian aid.
Rose Mahoro, Communications Manager at Family Medical Point, emphasized the significance of SRHR services, which include contraception, pregnancy care, and STI treatment.
“USAID was a major funder of Uganda’s health budget, particularly in the provision of SRHR services such as contraception, pregnancy care, STI treatment, and condom distribution. The freezing of aid will likely increase HIV and STI prevalence in fishing communities,” Mahoro said during the outreach in Nakiwogo.
She highlighted the challenges faced by sex workers in fishing communities like Nakiwogo, Guuda, Kasenyi, and Kigungu, where access to SRHR services remains limited. According to a study by the Uganda AIDS Commission, there are approximately 1,500 sex workers in these areas, many of whom face stigma and discrimination that hinder their ability to seek medical care.
“HIV prevalence remains alarmingly high at 37% among sex workers in fishing communities, compared to the national average of 5.4%. Limited access to contraceptives also increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Enhancing the SRHR budget is crucial to bridging this gap,” she added.
Moses Odong, Executive Director of Family Medical Point, underscored the need for collaborative efforts to ensure access to SRHR services.
“Access to SRHR services is a fundamental right. Our work in fishing communities demonstrates the power of community-based interventions in transforming lives,” Odong stated.
“We cannot do it alone. We need the government, donors, and other stakeholders to join the fight. Together, we can ensure that every woman, girl, and marginalized individual has access to the healthcare they need to thrive.” He said.
Family Medical Point Calls for SRHR Budget Enhancement Amid U.S. Aid Cut
