Background
Statistics indicate high levels of sexual and gender-based violence in Uganda, yet access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights still remains a challenge. More than 4 in 10 adolescent girls aged 12-19 (40 %) report to ever experienced sexual violence Thirty-five percent of adolescent girls between the ages of 12-19 are either pregnant or has already given birth and 25% of girls who drop out of school do so because of teenage pregnancy. Moreover, there is inadequate knowledge and awareness of SRHR among adolescents

About the project
The project therefore aimed at empowering adolescents aged 12-19 years in Mbale Secondary School with knowledge and support them to access SGBV prevention and response services in Mbale Municipality Mbale district.

Results
1453 students of Mbale SS attended the SGBV training. An ambassadors’ group comprising 12 teachers and 9 students was formed to provide counselling and support on matters related to SGBV. A one-stop Centre for adolescent friendly services and SGBV was established and equipped. 20 hospital staff members were trained on the integration of SGBV services to adolescents. The number of adolescent survivors of SGBV on PEP increased from 17 to 33 and 59 stress related GBV cases were registered in gynecology ward. Forty-seven new cases of SGBV survivors were registered at the adolescent clinic, and 29 new cases of physical violence were registered in mental unit.

Year: 2019