Bringing Healthcare Closer to the community through Life-Changing SRH Outreaches in Kyangwali
For many in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, accessing reproductive health services is a challenge. Distance, cost, and limited health infrastructure often stand in the way of timely care. To bridge this gap, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), with funding from Bread for the World through the Farmer Led Action for Self Reliance (FASE) project, is bringing these essential healthcare services directly to the community.
A Lifeline for the Most Vulnerable
The SRH Integrated Outreach is a mobile health service designed to reach underserved areas, providing:
- Family planning counseling and contraception services
- Antenatal and postnatal care services
- HIV testing and counseling services
- Screening and treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Adolescent-friendly SRH services
- Health education on menstrual hygiene, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and safe motherhood
“Many of us cannot walk long distances to health facilities. Having these services close to us means we can take care of our health without worrying about transport or missing work, said Evaleti Dive.
Addressing Critical Challenges
The outreach program tackles key health issues affecting both refugees and host communities:
- Limited access to health facilities: Many people live far from static health centers, making it difficult to seek timely SRH services.
- High rates of teenage pregnancies: A lack of SRH education and contraception often leads to unintended pregnancies.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Awareness and treatment services help prevent and manage STIs, including HIV.
- Gender-based violence (GBV): The outreach provides a safe space for survivors to seek medical and psychosocial support.
“Access to reproductive health services is not just a necessity; it is a right. Through this outreach, we are ensuring that no one is left behind, especially women and girls in the most vulnerable situations,” said Rosemary Natukunda, a project officer at LWF.
To maximize impact, the outreach is conducted at strategic locations within the settlement, including community centers, marketplaces (to reach wider audiences), churches and local gathering points such as food distribution sites. By bringing services closer to the people, the program ensures that even the most vulnerable individuals, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, can access SRH services. The outreach takes place every month, ensuring consistency in service delivery.
The success of the SRH Integrated Outreach lies in strong partnerships. LWF collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including the government health sector, community health volunteers, and humanitarian health partners. The implementation process involves:
- Community mobilization and awareness: Engaging local leaders, using radio messages, and working with community health workers to inform people about upcoming outreach services.
- Service delivery: Healthcare professionals provide SRH services, including counseling, screenings, and treatments.
- Referral and follow-up: Clients requiring advanced care are referred to health centers for specialized services.
“Health is the foundation of resilience. When communities have access to proper healthcare, they can build a better future for themselves and their children.” Nyamukiza Gloria- HIV focal person Kikuube District.
For many, this program is life-changing. It empowers individuals with knowledge and access to reproductive health services, ultimately improving their quality of life.
“Before this program, I didn’t know much about family planning, and I had no access to contraception. Now, I can make informed decisions about my health and my family’s future. This outreach has truly changed my life.” – Gorret Mave, 35, a mother of seven from Kyangwali Refugee Settlement
Through continued support and collaboration, the SRH Integrated Outreach in Kyangwali is making a lasting impact, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward better health.
