#Accelerate_Action
The Accelerate action theme emphasizes the urgent need for progress in gender equality. It highlights effective strategies and tools that empower women in education, employment, and leadership, driving their advancement at a faster pace.
In Uganda, women face health challenges due to limited healthcare access, gender bias, research gaps, and weak policy implementation. While progress has been made in maternal health, reproductive rights, and disease prevention, disparities persist. In line with International Women’s Day 2025’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” this article highlights urgent steps to improve access, advance research, and strengthen gender-sensitive policies for women’s health equity.
Accelerating Women’s health Equity and bridging the gap can be done through the following:
Advocacy and Community-Led Initiatives and System Strengthening. Achieving health equity for Ugandan women requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including government agencies such as Uganda’s Ministry of Health, healthcare providers such as health center II and IIIs facilities, researchers, Non-Government Organisations(NGOs) such as Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), Women’s Health Foundation (WHF), Women Health Channel Uganda (WHCU), Marie Stopes Uganda (MSUG) and HEPS-UGANDA. These organisations’ advocacy efforts focus on raising public awareness about women’s health rights and improving access to healthcare services. Community engagement programs should prioritize training women as healthcare leaders, ensuring more female doctors, nurses, and midwives are available to provide care. Strengthening partnerships between government institutions such as The Ministry of Health and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as HEPS-UGANDA can also facilitate efficient implementation of health programs that address women’s unique healthcare needs.
Overcoming Barriers to Healthcare Access in Uganda. Many Ugandan women, particularly those in rural and underdeveloped communities, face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The maternal mortality rate of 189 deaths per 100,000 live births (as of 2023), is largely due to inadequate healthcare facilities in Health Centre III., and Health Centre II, causing delays in receiving critical care. Some Cultural practices and societal barriers, such as some tribes in Uganda, still have a bias in modern medicine, therefore limiting access to healthcare, especially regarding sexual and reproductive health. Stigma and misinformation surrounding contraceptives and family planning contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
To bridge these gaps, Uganda must increase investment in rural healthcare, establishing maternal health clinics and mobile medical services in remote areas such as Rocket Health. It is essential to provide affordable reproductive healthcare services, including contraceptive access, antenatal care, and safe childbirth facilities in the Health Centres IIs and IIIs such as Marie Stopes Uganda. Encouraging more women to join the healthcare workforce can also improve cultural sensitivity and patient comfort. Additionally, community-based health education programs or organisations such as the Women’s Health Foundation (WHF) should be strengthened to empower women and girls with knowledge about disease prevention, hygiene, and sexual health.
Addressing Gender Bias and Gaps in Medical Research. Medical research in Uganda, as often overlooks women’s health issues such as maternal care, and reproductive health. Many studies do not prioritize diseases that disproportionately affect women, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment options. For instance, cervical cancer remains the leading cancer among Ugandan women, yet screening and early detection rates remain low due to the inaccessibility of scanning facilities. Also, Conditions such as endometriosis and menstrual health disorders receive minimal attention, leaving many women undiagnosed or untreated. Additionally, mental health challenges, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and trauma from gender-based violence (GBV), are rarely addressed, despite their significant impact on women’s well-being.
To close these research gaps, Uganda must invest in women-focused health research, such as the Women’s Health and Research Institute (WHRI) and Family Health International(FHI), to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Gender-inclusive clinical trials, such as free cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations, should be mandated to ensure medications and treatments are tested for their effectiveness in women.
Strengthening Health Policies for Women’s Well-Being. Uganda faces challenges in implementation and enforcement. Many women still struggle to access safe abortion services and contraceptives, despite existing legal provisions and service providers such as Marie Stopes Uganda. Additionally, comprehensive sexual education remains inadequate due to the stigma of sex education in certain communities and schools, which contributes to Uganda’s high teenage pregnancy rates. Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a major public health issue, yet many survivors face limited access to legal protection, medical care, and psychological support.
To accelerate progress, Uganda must strengthen maternal health policies by increasing midwifery training, emergency obstetric care, and postpartum support services to support postpartum depression. Expanding sexual and reproductive health rights will ensure wider access to contraception, safe abortion services, and comprehensive sexual education. Moreover, the government must enforce stricter laws against domestic violence, while providing more support centers for survivors. Integrating mental health services into public healthcare is also crucial—training more mental health professionals and offering free counselling services can help address the growing burden of depression, anxiety, and trauma among women.
