Uganda’s Health Landscape

Uganda continues to face significant public health challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2022:

• HIV/AIDS: Uganda has 1.4 million people living with HIV, with 52,000 new infections and 17,000 AIDS-related deaths in 20222. Young women aged 15–24 account for 70% of new infections among youth.
• Family Planning: Only 47% of women aged 15–49 use any contraceptive method, and unmet need remains high at 22%.
• Maternal Health: The maternal mortality ratio dropped from 336 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 189 in 2022, but adolescent mothers still account for 17.2% of maternal deaths4.
• Child Health: Under-five mortality stands at 52 deaths per 1,000 live births, and 25.4% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition5.
• Immunization: Only 66% of children aged 12–23 months receive all basic vaccinations.
• Cancer: Uganda recorded 35,968 new cancer cases and 24,629 deaths in 2022. Cervical cancer is the leading cause among women.
• Malaria: Uganda accounts for 5.1% of global malaria cases, with 268 cases per 1,000 population and 95% of the population at risk.
• Sanitation and Hygiene: Only 39% of urban and 7% of rural populations have access to safe sanitation. Handwashing with soap is practiced by 61% in urban areas and 38% in rural settings.

 PLANE’s Health and Sanitation Program Strategy

PLANE’s Health and Sanitation Program is a community-centered initiative designed to raise awareness, improve access to services, and promote behavior change across key health areas. The program targets adolescents, youth, women, men, and vulnerable populations in Fort Portal Tourism City , Kabarole District and other parts of the country.

1. HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention

PLANE conducts community sensitization campaigns, radio talk shows, and school-based sessions to educate on HIV transmission, prevention, and stigma reduction. Referrals for testing and treatment are facilitated through local health centers.

2. Family Planning and Reproductive Health

Through outreach clinics and peer education, PLANE promotes contraceptive use, fertility awareness, and menstrual hygiene. Couples’ dialogues and youth forums encourage informed decision-making and gender-inclusive health practices.

3. Maternal and Child Health

PLANE supports antenatal and postnatal care education, nutrition counseling, and immunization drives. Mothers are trained in infant feeding, hygiene, and early childhood development.

4. Immunization Campaigns

Working with local health authorities, PLANE mobilizes communities for vaccination days, educates parents on vaccine schedules, and tracks coverage to ensure no child is left behind.

5. Cancer Screening Awareness

PLANE organizes community dialogues and radio programs to raise awareness on cervical, breast, and prostate cancer. Women are encouraged to undergo regular screenings, and referrals are made to specialized facilities.

6. Nutrition and Sanitation Education

Nutrition workshops teach families how to prepare balanced meals using local foods. PLANE trains community health volunteers to monitor child growth and refer cases of malnutrition. Sanitation campaigns promote latrine use, safe water handling, and waste management.

7. Malaria Prevention and Control

PLANE distributes insecticide-treated nets, educates on indoor residual spraying, and trains households on malaria symptoms and early treatment. Seasonal campaigns align with peak transmission periods.

8. Hygiene Improvement

PLANE conducts hygiene education in schools, markets, and churches, emphasizing personal and environmental cleanliness.

 Program Objectives

• Increase community awareness of major health issues and available services.
• Reduce incidence of preventable diseases through education and early intervention.
• Improve maternal and child health outcomes.
• Promote sustainable hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Strengthen community resilience through health literacy and empowerment.