Denmark invests $13 million in sexual and reproductive health and rights and gender-based violence services in Uganda

On 12 December, the Government of Denmark signed a five-year agreement with UNFPA in Uganda towards improving women and young people’s health. Denmark has committed DKK 85 million, equivalent to approximately $13 million.

The programme for ‘Women, Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment’ will run from 2018 to 2022, targeting both refugees and Ugandans in selected refugee-hosting districts in Northern Uganda. The interventions will include an integrated approach to gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention and response, as well as socio-economic empowerment.

“Through this programme, we seek to strengthen the self-reliance of women and young people among both Ugandans and refugees. We know that if they live more healthy and productive lives, they will be able to contribute to their own development and to social change in their communities. Better health means more wealth,” said the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, Mogens Pedersen.  The Government of Denmark is a strong supporter of UNFPA’s work across the world, and is among the top five contributors of core funds to the organization globally.According to the Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda was host to 1.4 million refugees as of November 2017, the majority of whom are below the age of 17. About one-third are women or girls of reproductive age. In many of the refugee-hosting districts, the ratio of refugees to nationals has reached parity.It is expected that approximately 450 schools and 200 health facilities across the target districts and refugee settlements will benefit from the Danish funding. An estimated 600 health workers and 200 service providers addressing gender-based violence will also be supported with training on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as prevention and response to gender-based violence.