Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for adolescent girls and young women in Mbarara City is significantly hindered by the attitudes of health workers. Judgmental behaviour and negative comments from health staff discourage many young females from seeking essential SRHR services, such as contraception or treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
A 2023 study by the African Journal of Reproductive Health found that 35% of adolescent girls and young women in Uganda reported feeling judged when seeking these services, creating a barrier that fosters fear and stigma.
The impact of health workers’ attitudes extends beyond discouraging access; it also affects the quality of services provided. Many health facilities in Mbarara City lack youth-friendly spaces and trained staff who understand adolescent-specific needs, leading to concerns about confidentiality and the quality of care.
The World Health Organization (WHO) data reveals that inadequate access to SRHR services puts young women at a higher risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, with HIV prevalence among females aged 15-24 nearly three times higher than in their male peers. One young woman, 18-year-old Aisha from Mbarara, shared,
"It's hard to ask for contraceptives when health workers look at you like you're doing something wrong. It makes me feel ashamed and I end up leaving without help."
Keiruky Longino, the City Health officer in Mbarara, stresses the need for a friendlier approach to improve health-seeking behavior among young women.
"Health workers need to adopt a non-judgmental and supportive approach towards adolescent girls and young women so that they feel comfortable seeking care without fear," he said.
"However, they should also give age appropriate information to these AGYW," he added. Longino advocates for comprehensive training programs to equip health workers with the skills needed to create a supportive environment, emphasising that this shift is critical for overcoming barriers to SRHR access and ensuring that young women feel valued and respected when accessing health services.