On the shores of Lake Victoria, where the waters provide essential livelihoods alongside significant challenges, women and sex workers are confronted with a critical issue – limited access to reproductive healthcare. The prevalence of unsafe abortions, unintended pregnancies, and insufficient support systems has left many individuals in vulnerable situations. However, with the efforts of Family Medical Point (FMP), there is hope emerging as they implement practical solutions aimed at making a meaningful impact in these communities. In areas such as Guuda, Kasenyi, Nakiwogo, and Kigungu, FMP has launched two noteworthy initiatives; Musawo Sessions and Media Cafe models. Musawo Sessions serve as regular health education meetings that empower women and sex workers with accurate information pertaining to their sexual and reproductive health. These gatherings foster a supportive environment where participants can seek guidance, share their concerns, and receive referrals to tailored healthcare services.
In contrast, the Media Cafe model works closely with journalists and editors to enhance the portrayal of sexual and reproductive health issues in the media. By providing training and mentorship, FMP equips media professionals with the knowledge and sensitivity required to report on these topics in an accurate and responsible manner, contributing to the reduction of stigma and misinformation.Through these initiatives, FMP has made significant advancements toward achieving Target 3.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasizes universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. Women who previously relied on unsafe abortion methods due to limited options are now empowered with reliable information and accessible healthcare solutions.
The Ministry of Health reports that unsafe abortions account for 26% of maternal deaths in Uganda. This pressing statistic highlights the crucial nature of FMP’s work within fishing communities, where healthcare facilities are often limited and misinformation is prevalent. Moreover, many women and sex workers in Wakiso’s fishing communities have roots in Karamoja and Teso. This shared background offers a valuable opportunity for cross-regional collaboration and mutual learning. The experiences, expertise, and successful models developed by FMP could serve as a framework for nonprofits in these regions, facilitating their ability to address similar challenges and advance progress toward the 2030 Agenda
