Action for Community Development (ACODEV Uganda), in partnership with the Rubirizi District Local Government, yesterday celebrated World Family Planning Day at Ndekye Playground with various community-centered activities.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This year’s theme was: “Protecting Safe Sex – Not Only Important in Preventing Pregnancy.”
According to Madam Luwedde Gift, the Project Coordinator for ACODEV Uganda, the day was used to give back to the community through corporate social responsibility. ACODEV provided free family planning services, HIV/AIDS testing, counseling sessions, cervical cancer screening, and also organized Burungi Bwansi (community cleaning) in Ndekye Town.
Madam Gift emphasized that one of ACODEV’s key objectives is to increase community access to quality family planning services, create awareness on teenage pregnancy, and promote environmental protection through proper waste management to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Speaking at the same function, Dr. Aidah Nankyinga, the District Health Officer for Rubirizi, commended ACODEV’s efforts in reaching out to young people with information on sexual and reproductive health. She highlighted the importance of empowering the youth with knowledge on how to protect themselves and the need to involve parents in raising a disciplined and healthy generation.
Dr. Aidah revealed that Rubirizi District has a teenage pregnancy rate of 14 percent, compared to the national average of 23 percent. She advised young girls to abstain from sex as a means of preventing HIV and early pregnancies.
Hon. Tukahirwa Caroline, Lady councillor representing Ryeru subcounty at the district, thanked ACODEV for supporting the community through Burungi Bwansi activities. She said the initiative demonstrates that every citizen has a responsibility to keep their environment clean. Hon Caroline further encouraged the community to embrace proper garbage disposal and waste segregation to promote good sanitation.
She urged the youth to safeguard themselves against HIV/AIDS, warning that the disease poses a serious threat to their future.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chris Ategeka, the Project Manager for ACODEV in Rubirizi, explained that the organization has created dialogue sessions in schools and communities targeting teenage mothers and expectant girls. These sessions focus on improving hygiene, sanitation, and counseling, as well as teaching preventive measures against unwanted pregnancies.
He added that ACODEV also sensitizes men to support their partners in making family planning decisions. Their programs target both men and women between the ages of 15 and 49, with the aim of promoting good health, improved livelihoods, and stronger families in the community.
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