Health Access Connect

Through our ASRH dialogues, we create opportunities for young people to identify the challenges they face, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

These conversations give adolescents access to accurate health information and trusted spaces where they can ask questions openly and build the confidence to speak about issues that affect their health and wellbeing.

By working alongside Government health centres and health workers, we also help young people better understand the health services available to them and make more informed decisions about their health and lives.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our friend and beloved Board Member, Dr. Stephen Asiimwe (Steve).

This is a difficult loss for all of us at Health Access Connect. Steve was always encouraging us to do more and think bigger, because he wanted us to be a positive change in the world. He was a medical doctor, decorated scholar, and admired professor, but in his heart and practice he was a health practitioner, innovator, and fierce advocate for health systems that improve health for all.

He was a force and will be sorely missed.

We join the family and friends in prayer and remembrance for Stephen Asiimwe as we do our best to continue the work he was passionate about. 🕊️

First integrated health outreach clinic in Bunagana Village, Kabale District

We recently held our first integrated health outreach clinic in Bunagana Village, Kabale District, in partnership with Kasheregenyi HC III.

The outreach brought essential health services closer to community members who may otherwise face long distances and transport challenges to reach a health facility.

This is what bringing healthcare closer to the last mile looks like , working alongside government health workers and communities to make access to care easier.

Health Access Connect (HAC) works with remote communities and government health facilities to make essential healthcare more accessible to people who live far from health facilities or cannot
afford the cost of transport.

Taking health care to the last mile

Our Field Officers work with district health teams and government health facilities to coordinate outreach services.

They also work directly with communities to understand their healthcare needs, mobilise residents and support regular outreach clinics.

They are part of the connection between health systems and the communities they serve.

Linking remote communities to healthcare.

How far is too far to go for healthcare?

5 kilometres? 10 kilometres? Or perhaps far enough that a family has to choose between paying for transport to a health facility and paying for food or school needs?

For families in remote communities in Uganda, accessing healthcare can come with a cost far beyond the medical bill.

In our latest blog, we look at the realities of distance, transport costs, difficult roads and long waiting times and how these barriers can delay or prevent people from seeking care.

Through Our Medicycles programme, we are helping close that gap by bringing healthcare closer to communities.

📖 Read more : https://www.healthaccessconnect.org/how-distance-to-health-facilities-affects-families-in-remote-communities/

www.healthaccessconnect.org

We kicked off September on a high note!

Last week, our Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) programme continued creating spaces for conversations, learning and community engagement across Lwengo District.

We held:

➡️ ASRH Community Dialogue in Kaboyo Village

➡️ Parental Dialogue on ASRH in Kinoni Zone

➡️ ASRH Community Dialogue in Kiteredde Village

➡️ ASRH Community Dialogue in Manja Village

These dialogues create spaces where adolescents, parents and communities can openly discuss ASRH concerns, ask questions, share experiences and learn more about the health information and services available hence improving Adolescent Sexual and reproductive health in the District .

A stronger, more coordinated response to adolescent health is taking shape in Lwengo District.

We recently joined Ministry of health, district leaders, technical officers, cultural and religious leaders, security representatives, young people, and implementing partners for the establishment of the District Committee on Adolescent Health (DiCAH) in Lwengo District.

DiCAH is a multisectoral district structure designed to strengthen coordination and supervision of adolescent and school health activities.

During the meeting, we shared key learnings from 10 months of implementing an Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) pilot in Lwengo. These learnings highlighted the diverse challenges adolescents face and the importance of a coordinated, multisectoral response.

The committee was officially established, with members nominated and briefed on their roles and responsibilities. Moving forward, the committee will provide a platform for coordination, advocacy, resource mobilisation, and strengthened leadership for adolescent and school health.

This marks an important step towards district ownership and the long-term sustainability of adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health services in Lwengo.

We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Health, Lwengo District Local Government, young people, and other implementing partners towards a future where adolescents can access responsive information, services, and support.

For communities like Kagaala-Kannyogoga in Lyantonde District, bringing health services closer means reducing the barriers that can delay people from seeking and receiving timely care.

This , we join the global community in amplifying the theme “Every Body.”

We believe every young person deserves to be heard, informed, respected, and supported to make informed decisions about their bodies.

As we mark Sexual Health Month, we reaffirm that access to accurate sexual health information and services is essential for EVERY BODY .

This , we stand for Every Body.