Kampala: Young people living with disabilities have challenged policy makers to improve access to contraceptives. They made the call during the pre-conference that was organized and attended by young people, ahead of the National Family Planning Conference. 

Imalingat Deo a young person with a disability and Peer Educator with Reach a Hand Uganda said, “Most of the deaf community are unaware of health services that include family planning mostly because they are not empowered and some are illiterate. There is therefore need to reach out to these groups so that they can as well benefit from such programmes.”

The pre-conference under the theme: “Youth take charge as drivers of integrated family planning for social economic transformation.” was attended by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Ruth Nakiwala, who talked to young people about self-esteem. She said that, “some young people are convinced to think they are useless yet they are just used less.” Hon. Nakiwala encouraged young people to interact and engage so as to address issues that affect them.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Mr. Alain Sibenaler called on young people to promote gender equality and demote violence against women and girls. He also asked them to dialogue with older generations so as to make informed healthy choices. Also in attendance were Dr. Livingstone Makanga of Ministry of Health, and Kawempe Division Mayor, Dr. Emmanuel Serujonji, among other government officials. 

-Story by Hope Kirabo