Adolescents (10-19) years of age spend a significant part of their day at school, making schools a critical part of the socio-ecological system in which young people’s mental Health develops (WHO, 2009). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven adolescents (10-19years) worldwide experience a mental Health disorder and yet majority of these cases go unnoticed or untreated. Mental Health challenges among school-ongoing adolescents are linked to factors such as, poverty, academic pressure and performance anxiety, bullying, peer pressure, chronic illness and sexual violence. Once these issues go un noticed, adolescents may engage in risky behaviors such as substance use and addiction, experience suicidal thoughts, suffer from stress and anxiety which affects concentration and academic performance, develop low self-esteem and social withdraw. To address these challenges effectively, school-based mental health programs must be prioritized and promoted as a key solution.
Empowering Young Women and Adolescent Girls in Uganda: A Call to Action on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Many young women and adolescent girls in Uganda continue to face severe sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. The most pressing issues include extremely high unintended pregnancy rates, especially among adolescent girls ages 15–19, who reported a 63% rate in 2022 compared to 46% among all women of reproductive age. Other significant concerns are high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), limited access to contraception, gender-based violence (GBV), unsafe abortion practices, and the ongoing threat of HIV.
For many girls, seeking information or care is intimidating. Fear of judgment, cultural barriers, and lack of confidentiality discourage them from accessing essential services. As a result, preventable health complications persist, school dropout rates rise, and cycles of poverty and vulnerability deepen.
Sexual and reproductive health is not only a medical issue, but it is a matter of human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. When girls are empowered with accurate information, safe services, and supportive communities, they are more likely to stay in school, avoid risky behaviors, and pursue meaningful opportunities.
Investing in adolescent SRH is investing in healthier families, stronger communities, and a more resilient future.
At Nurturing Community Development Initiatives in Africa (NCDI), we are part of the solution by
Providing youth-friendly SRH education Deliver community-based and school outreach programs that offer age-appropriate, culturally sensitive sexuality education covering contraception, STI prevention, consent, and healthy relationships.
Promoting access to services Partner with health facilities to link young people to confidential, affordable SRH services, including HIV testing, counselling, and family planning.
Empowering girls economically and socially Integrate life-skills training, mentorship, and economic empowerment programs to reduce vulnerability and increase girls’ agency over their futures.
Let’s break the silence, reduce stigma, and build safe spaces where every girl can thrive.
Plot 55, Bugerere Road, Mukono
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