Health Services, Closer to Home for Adolescents

Getting to a health center can be challenging for many adolescent girls and young women. Long distances, fear of judgement and limited access to youth-friendly services often prevent them from seeking the care they need. In September, the Adolescent Girls Power Program (AGPP) Central Cluster brought essential health services closer to them through medical camps held at girls-led community safe spaces, making it easier for them to access care in a familiar and supportive environment.

Working with partners SLUM and Girl Power Alliance, the program organised medical camps in 12 safe spaces, including Mukalazi, Tebuyoleka, Kazo Angola, Kilokole, Nabweru and Kibwa in Kampala and Wakiso districts. Through these camps, 438 adolescent girls and young women accessed essential health services, including HIV testing and counselling, STI screening and treatment, family planning information, and gender-based violence screening, with referrals provided where needed. The camps also offered a safe, confidential space for girls to ask questions and seek guidance without fear of judgement.

By bringing health services closer to girls, AGPP is helping break down barriers to care and creating space for girls to seek support, ask questions and make informed decisions about their health.

Adolescent girls participate in an interactive health information session led by a healthcare professional during the medical camp.
An adolescent girl engages with a healthcare professional during the medical camp, seeking information and guidance on her health and well-being.
I used to feel shy about going to the health centre to seek health services. I am happy that the medical camp brought these services closer to us, making it easier for me to access the care I needed.
Adolescent Girl
Kazo, Angola

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