With funding from UNFPA Uganda under the #SpotlightInitiative, we recently kicked off micro consultative meetings at Kigambo Health Centre III in Kyegegwa District. These sessions brought young people to the forefront, giving them a platform to boldly speak about the barriers they face in accessing quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
Listening to Lived Realities
Young people are experts in their own experiences. During the consultative meetings, participants shared real-life challenges they encounter, including stigma, limited access to services, and lack of youth-friendly healthcare providers. By highlighting these barriers, the youth are not only raising awareness but also shaping solutions that reflect their needs and rights.
Micro Consultative Meetings: A Platform for Impact
These small-scale, interactive meetings are designed to create a safe space for dialogue. Participants engage directly with health workers, community leaders, and program facilitators to discuss gaps in service delivery, provide feedback, and co-create strategies for improvement. This approach ensures that policies and programs respond to the actual needs of young people, making SRH services more accessible, inclusive, and effective.
Empowering Young People
By elevating youth voices, the initiative strengthens agency, confidence, and accountability. Young people are not passive recipients of services—they are active participants in shaping the care they receive. Their contributions influence planning, implementation, and monitoring of health programs, ensuring that interventions are relevant and impactful.
Creating Lasting Change
The #SpotlightInitiative demonstrates that community-driven approaches can transform health systems. When young voices are heard, barriers are identified, and solutions are co-created, services improve, and adolescents gain the support they need to make informed choices. By focusing on empowerment and engagement, this initiative helps create a sustainable model for improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The kick-off at Kigambo HC III marks the beginning of a journey to amplify youth participation, improve service delivery, and reduce barriers to SRH care. Through continued collaboration, dialogue, and action, young people in Kyegegwa and beyond will have the opportunity to shape the change they deserve, fostering healthier, empowered communities.https://x.com/NaguruC/status/1975835386950918334
