Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.
Kampala: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
added citation
(added citation) |
|||
| (52 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown) | |||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
[[File:Kampala.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]] | [[File:Kampala.jpg|400px | thumb|right|]] | ||
'''OVERVIEW''' | '''OVERVIEW''' | ||
In Uganda, contraception can be purchased without a prescription. The rate of contraceptive use is not very high, though the rates have increased in the last two decades.<ref>https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0219963</ref> If you want emergency contraception (the morning after pill), you typically don't need a prescription to purchase it in pharmacies (though, technically-speaking, it may be legally required). You can also use regular oral contraceptives (birth control pills) as replacement emergency contraception. We explain how in the "Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)" section. You can get an HIV and STI test at health care centers throughout the city. There are some health organizations and NGOs that help people dealing with STIs, especially HIV. You can also access PEP and PrEP in Uganda (see "Medications & Vaccines" section for details). There is a national HPV vaccination program as well. Menstruation is often a taboo and socially awkward topic for women, and in poorer and rural parts of the country, menstrual products are difficult to access. There are many health organizations that aim to provide menstrual products and educate women about menstruation, and there has been an exciting effort to introduce more women to menstrual cups. Abortion is illegal, except for when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy and, as it's generally interpreted, when the woman's mental or physical health is endangered by the pregnancy. However, due to the restrictive and unclear nature of Ugandan abortion laws, most women seek abortions from clandestine providers. Many women experience complications with these abortions, so it is recommended to exercise extreme caution. | |||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
| Line 14: | Line 16: | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Uganda, you can purchase | In Uganda, you can purchase condoms and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) without a prescription. It is estimated that 30% of married Ugandan women and 52% of sexually active unmarried Ugandan women use some form modern contraception.<ref>[http://mobile.businessinsider.com/how-birth-control-is-changing-lives-in-uganda-2016-8 How birth control changed everything for a young mother in Uganda]</ref> For married women, the most common contraceptive method were injectables (14-16%), implants (3.5%), male sterilization (2.3%) and condoms (2%).<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> For unmarried women, the most popular methods were condoms (19%) and injectables (18%).<ref>[http://mobile.businessinsider.com/how-birth-control-is-changing-lives-in-uganda-2016-8 How birth control changed everything for a young mother in Uganda]</ref> | ||
Ugandan women typically know about at least one contraceptive method, yet there isn't widespread contraceptive use. According to a 2015 report, 33.4% of Ugandan women (in marriages or in unions) have unmet family planning needs. In Uganda, the median age for first time mothers is 18.9 years old, and 18% of Ugandan teens have already had a child. This can be partially attributed to lack of access to contraceptives, especially in rural areas, and lack of information about family planning services. There is also some male prejudice against birth control, which is sometimes falsely claimed to cause cancer, cause infertility or promote promiscuity.<ref>[http://mobile.businessinsider.com/how-birth-control-is-changing-lives-in-uganda-2016-8 How birth control changed everything for a young mother in Uganda]</ref> | Ugandan women typically know about at least one contraceptive method, yet there isn't widespread contraceptive use. According to a 2015 report, 33.4% of Ugandan women (in marriages or in unions) have unmet family planning needs. In Uganda, the median age for first time mothers is 18.9 years old, and 18% of Ugandan teens have already had a child. This can be partially attributed to lack of access to contraceptives, especially in rural areas, and lack of information about family planning services. There is also some male prejudice against birth control, which is sometimes falsely claimed to cause cancer, cause infertility or promote promiscuity.<ref>[http://mobile.businessinsider.com/how-birth-control-is-changing-lives-in-uganda-2016-8 How birth control changed everything for a young mother in Uganda]</ref> | ||
In March 2019, a study published by the Guttmacher Institute found that half of all pregnancies in Uganda were unintended, and that there were major gaps in sexual and reproductive health care access for adolescent women. You can read the study [https://www.guttmacher.org/news-release/2019/uganda-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services-and-information-fall-short here]. | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* You can find condoms in pharmacies and chain stores. They're very common and easy to find. | * You can find '''condoms''' in pharmacies and chain stores. They're very common and easy to find. | ||
* If you want an '''IUD''', you can get it at many facilities. One local says, "Downtown, IUDs cost 50,000 and are free of charge in government establishments." Here's information on prices from Nakasero Hospital (as of February 2017): "IUD insertions are done at the hospital at a cost of 80,000shs. The whole package and the type used mostly is the (copper T) and also the (Mirena) is available at a cost of 450,000shs. Why 450,000shs because it’s not donated while the copper T is and the 80,000shs is for the procedure paid for." One Kampala local said: "I got my IUD in at Nakasero, but I know they offer all types at most major hospitals and clinics. I would say that when researching where to get my IUD, I found that it was the most expensive contraceptive (250,000 and up) and I don't think it would be something the average Ugandan woman could afford. Birth control pills, shots and condoms were far more affordable." | |||
* If you want the '''contraceptive shot''', you can get it Nakasero Hospital for 80,000shs. | |||
* If you want the '''contraceptive implant''', you can get it Nakasero Hospital for 80,000shs. | |||
* [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "We provide both short and long term methods including contraceptive implant, IUD, contraceptive injection and press, condoms, contraceptive pills and voluntary surgical contraception (VSC). Family planning counseling, side effects management and removal services are also available at all of our service delivery points. MSU also markets the LifeGuard condom." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | * [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "We provide both short and long term methods including contraceptive implant, IUD, contraceptive injection and press, condoms, contraceptive pills and voluntary surgical contraception (VSC). Family planning counseling, side effects management and removal services are also available at all of our service delivery points. MSU also markets the LifeGuard condom." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | ||
* Kampala Hospital Limited: Pills are New Fem, Pill Plan Plus, Microgynon. They cost one thousand shillings. | * Kampala Hospital Limited: Pills are New Fem, Pill Plan Plus, Microgynon. They cost one thousand shillings. | ||
* if you're a teenager, you can visit [http://www.ntihc.org/service-delivery/family-planning-services/ Naguru Teenage Information and Health Centre]: "This service includes free and confidential advice on types of contraception including information about emergency contraception. Contraceptive methods are explained; how it works, advantages and disadvantages. They also provide services for Male condoms, Female condoms, Contraceptive injections, Progesterone only pill (POP), Contraceptive implant, Intrauterine device (IUD), Combined pill (COC), Emergency contraception, Calendar and cycle beads method. | |||
'''Warning:''' You should visit a pharmacy you trust. Some pharmacies (that are not vouched for) may sell fake pills. | '''Warning:''' You should visit a pharmacy you trust. Some pharmacies (that are not vouched for) may sell fake pills. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 44: | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In | In Kampala, you can purchase emergency contraception (the morning after pill) without a prescription at pharmacies. From a legal standpoint, you (may) need a prescription for EC (this is awaiting confirmation). However, in reality, this is not required by most pharmacists. | ||
According to a 2014 report, "Following a period of restrictions, national policies now support the use of emergency contraception (EC) in Uganda, and EC has been incorporated into national norms and guidelines, including the reproductive health commodity security plan. Although knowledge of EC in Uganda is higher than in many other African countries, more than two-thirds of Ugandan women have still never heard of EC, and EC use remains low."<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/custom-content/uploads/2014/04/ICEC_Uganda-Factsheet_2014.pdf COUNTING WHAT COUNTS: TRACKING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION]</ref> | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* In Uganda, once you have a prescription, you can get emergency contraception (the morning after pill). You can find EC at pharmacies, public sector clinics and IPPF-affiliated systems. Some of the brands you may find are P2, Pill 72, Postinor-2, Pregnon, Revoke 1.5 and Revoke 72. | * In Uganda, once you have a prescription, you can get emergency contraception (the morning after pill). You can find EC at pharmacies, public sector clinics and IPPF-affiliated systems. Some of the brands you may find are P2, Pill 72, Postinor-2, Pregnon, Revoke 1.5 and Revoke 72.<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
* '''If you can't get a prescription for emergency contraception, | * '''If you can't get a prescription for emergency contraception, it´s worth a try buying it at the pharmacy. It should be possible to get it though in many pharmacies. But if you cannot access it, you can use regular birth control pills as EC.''' You can do this with progestin-only or combined progestin-estrogen pills. For progestin-only pills, you can take Ovrette (take 40 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). You can also take Microval (take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex). For combined progestin-estrogen pills, remember to only take the first 21 pills in 28-day packs. You can take Neogynon (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later). You can also take Lo-Femenal or Microgynon-30 (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC Website]</ref> | ||
'''Warning:''' You should visit a pharmacy you trust. Some pharmacies (that are not vouched for) may sell fake pills. | '''Warning:''' You should visit a pharmacy you trust. Some pharmacies (that are not vouched for) may sell fake pills. Some imported labels from Europe or the US provide a scratching field on the packing box that - when scratched with a coin- shows off a label. If the packing is intact you can be sure it contains the component you were asking for. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 65: | Line 75: | ||
* [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "Our centres offer testing and syndromic management for STIs including gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis. Voluntary, confidential HIV counselling and testing and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services are also offered." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | * [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "Our centres offer testing and syndromic management for STIs including gonorrhoea, genital herpes and syphilis. Voluntary, confidential HIV counselling and testing and prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) services are also offered." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | ||
* [http://www.kampalaindependenthospital.com/?page_id=8737 Kampala Independent Hospital]: "STD tests and check-ups are available at KIH with fast access and fast results. We offer convenient, confidential testing for the sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, Trichomonas, NSU (non-specific urethritis), Mycoplasma genitalium, Herpes and Genital warts. Fast access to treatment is available where necessary." Address: Kampala Independent Hospital, 869 Nalya Road, Ntinda, Uganda. Phone: +256 414 289 834. Email: customer.services@kihug.com | * [http://www.kampalaindependenthospital.com/?page_id=8737 Kampala Independent Hospital]: "STD tests and check-ups are available at KIH with fast access and fast results. We offer convenient, confidential testing for the sexually transmitted diseases: HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, Trichomonas, NSU (non-specific urethritis), Mycoplasma genitalium, Herpes and Genital warts. Fast access to treatment is available where necessary." Address: Kampala Independent Hospital, 869 Nalya Road, Ntinda, Uganda. Phone: +256 414 289 834. Email: customer.services@kihug.com | ||
* Dr. Charles Farthing Memorial Clinic: This clinic is included in the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global Directory, so they should either provide HIV tests or be able to direct you to a clinic that does. Address: Plot 54B, Kira Road, Mulago, Kampala, Uganda. Phone: (+256) 200903497 | |||
* St. Balikudembe Market: This clinic is included in the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Global Directory, so they should either provide HIV tests or be able to direct you to a clinic that does. Address: Adjacent St. Balikudembe Market, Kampala, Uganda. Phone: (+256) 200903496 | |||
===Support=== | |||
* Mulago Hospital: This may be the largest hospital in Uganda. They have HIV treatment/counseling. | * Mulago Hospital: This may be the largest hospital in Uganda. They have HIV treatment/counseling. | ||
* Mild May Clinic: They have HIV treatment/counseling. | * Mild May Clinic: They have HIV treatment/counseling. | ||
* [http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/uganda UNAIDS Uganda]: Contact: Musa BunguduUNAIDS (Country Director). Telephone: + (256 41) 33 55 10, Fax: + (256 41) 34 01 13. Email: BUNGUDUM@UNAIDS.ORG. | * [http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/uganda UNAIDS Uganda]: Contact: Musa BunguduUNAIDS (Country Director). Telephone: + (256 41) 33 55 10, Fax: + (256 41) 34 01 13. Email: BUNGUDUM@UNAIDS.ORG. | ||
* [http://www.ntihc.org/service-delivery/hiv-testing-counseling/ HIV/Testing Counseling @ Naguru Teenage Information & Health Centre]: "This service enables young people to learn about HIV/AIDS, take a decision to test for HIV and seek information about referral services. During HIV counseling sessions clients are informed about HIV Testing (rapid, same day results), the benefits of contraceptive use, couples testing and disclosure. After testing, clients are referred to other internal or external services." Email: INFO@NTIHC.ORG. Phone: 0800-311222 | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 99: | Line 112: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
In Kampala, you can easily find pads in stores. It's much more difficult to find tampons, though you can find them in some stores (try Game store in Lugogo, Shoprite and Nakumatt). If you want a menstrual cup, you can buy a FleurCup from [https://www.facebook.com/Menstrual-Cups-Better-than-Tampons-Pads-209841935862473/ Moyo Jena], a group based out of Kampala. They can be contacted through their Facebook page or by email: moyojena2013@gmail.com. There appears to be no official sellers of menstrual cup brands, like Lunette, MoonCup and DivaCup | In Kampala, you can easily find pads in stores. It's much more difficult to find tampons, though you can find them in some stores (try Game store in Lugogo, Shoprite and Nakumatt). If you want a menstrual cup, you can buy them from [https://www.facebook.com/rubycupuganda/ Ruby Cup Uganda], who stock shops in Kampala such as CA pharmacy, Buffalo pharmacy, Italian supermarket in Muyenga. You can also contact them direct on rubycupuganda@gmail.com. | ||
Or you can buy a FleurCup from [https://www.facebook.com/Menstrual-Cups-Better-than-Tampons-Pads-209841935862473/ Moyo Jena], a group based out of Kampala. They can be contacted through their Facebook page or by email: moyojena2013@gmail.com. There appears to be no official sellers of other familiar menstrual cup brands, like Lunette, MoonCup and DivaCup. | |||
Here are some organizations working on menstrual issues in Uganda: | Here are some organizations working on menstrual issues in Uganda: | ||
* [http://www.afripads.com/ AfriPads - Uganda Office]: "We are a social enterprise that specializes in the local manufacture and global supply of reusable sanitary pads as a cost-effective menstrual hygiene solution for millions of women and girls worldwide. AFRIpads is headquartered in Uganda, with sales offices in Kenya and Malawi." Address: Plot 28 Ntinda View Crescent, Naguru Kampala. Uganda. T +256 (0)392 174 561 | * [http://www.afripads.com/ AfriPads - Uganda Office]: "We are a social enterprise that specializes in the local manufacture and global supply of reusable sanitary pads as a cost-effective menstrual hygiene solution for millions of women and girls worldwide. AFRIpads is headquartered in Uganda, with sales offices in Kenya and Malawi." Address: Plot 28 Ntinda View Crescent, Naguru Kampala. Uganda. T +256 (0)392 174 561 | ||
* [http://www.daysforgirls.org/dfg-enterprises Days for Girls] Days for Girls is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring days of dignity, school and health through sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions. DfG makes & sells washable pads, and provides training programs on women's health. There are also opportunities to start your own Micro-Enterprise making and selling pads locally. Contact: uganda@daysforgirls.org, Plot 708 Mawanda Road, Kampala, Uganda, +256 200 901 431 | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/RubyCupUganda/ Ruby Cup Uganda]: "We are a social enterprise, aiming to create awareness of, and make ruby cups available country wide at commercially sustainable prices. Research shows that most Ugandan women and girls who have had the chance to try one out, love it, and would be willing to pay for one." Call +256 772 226116. Email: rubycupuganda@gmail.com | |||
* [http://womena.dk/ WoMena]: They provide education/counseling on menstrual health and they distribute RubyCup menstrual cups to women in Uganda. "WoMena is an NGO working with social issues in developing contexts, focusing on menstrual management, family planning and reproductive health." Phone: +256 (0) 200 902098. Email: info@womena.dk. Address: Mobutu Road, Makindye Hill, Kampala, Uganda | * [http://womena.dk/ WoMena]: They provide education/counseling on menstrual health and they distribute RubyCup menstrual cups to women in Uganda. "WoMena is an NGO working with social issues in developing contexts, focusing on menstrual management, family planning and reproductive health." Phone: +256 (0) 200 902098. Email: info@womena.dk. Address: Mobutu Road, Makindye Hill, Kampala, Uganda | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/menstrualcupuganda/ Menstrual Cup Uganda]: "MCU is a non-profit organization that distributes free menstrual cups to Ugandan girls and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, we also supply training in how to use and clean the cups in a safe and hygienic way. The training also include information about menstruation, adolescence and reproductive health and rights." Email: menstrualcupuganda@gmail.com | * [https://www.facebook.com/menstrualcupuganda/ Menstrual Cup Uganda]: "MCU is a non-profit organization that distributes free menstrual cups to Ugandan girls and women from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, we also supply training in how to use and clean the cups in a safe and hygienic way. The training also include information about menstruation, adolescence and reproductive health and rights." Email: menstrualcupuganda@gmail.com | ||
* [http://www.wateraid.org/uk/what-we-do/stories-from-our-work/breaking-the-silence-on-menstruation Water Aid Uganda]: "WaterAid Uganda has been working with 40 schools in the slums of Kampala, the capital. As well as providing safe water and sanitation facilities, we’re promoting menstrual hygiene in schools to empower students and teachers to talk about the subject." | * [http://www.wateraid.org/uk/what-we-do/stories-from-our-work/breaking-the-silence-on-menstruation Water Aid Uganda]: "WaterAid Uganda has been working with 40 schools in the slums of Kampala, the capital. As well as providing safe water and sanitation facilities, we’re promoting menstrual hygiene in schools to empower students and teachers to talk about the subject." | ||
* [http://graceworksinitiative.org/index.php/2016/10/24/feminine-health/ Feminine Health Management @ Grace Works Initiative]: "GWI implements a series of specially designed approaches to promote women’s health with specific focus on menstrual care and elimination of female Genital mutilation. This is a unique and innovative program which combines interactive education with training sessions for women and girls in emergency situations, prisons, schools and remote villages. Activities include; Equipping adolescent girls with basic skills on how to make low-cost sanitary pads with locally available materials and raising awareness of the health risks of female genital mutilation, as well as counseling and support to victims of FGM." Phone (+256) 414-665993. Email: uganda@graceworksinitiative.org. | * [http://graceworksinitiative.org/index.php/2016/10/24/feminine-health/ Feminine Health Management @ Grace Works Initiative]: "GWI implements a series of specially designed approaches to promote women’s health with specific focus on menstrual care and elimination of female Genital mutilation. This is a unique and innovative program which combines interactive education with training sessions for women and girls in emergency situations, prisons, schools and remote villages. Activities include; Equipping adolescent girls with basic skills on how to make low-cost sanitary pads with locally available materials and raising awareness of the health risks of female genital mutilation, as well as counseling and support to victims of FGM." Phone (+256) 414-665993. Email: uganda@graceworksinitiative.org. | ||
* Eco Options Uganda Ltd is a social enterprise set up by a Uganda resident expat to import and distribute Ruby Cups. We work closely with Womena and other NGOs on advocacy matters, and we sell Ruby Cups together with an intruction leaflet modified to Uganda context. For more info call Samantha Musoke see the [https://www.facebook.com/rubycupuganda/ Ruby Cup Uganda] facebook page, or contact Samantha Musoke on 0772 226116. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
Ruby Cup costs between Ugx 65k to Ugx 85k in shops that stock it in Kampala. Or Ugx 60k plus delivery (from Makindye) direct from Ruby Cup Uganda. | |||
==Gynecological Exams== | ==Gynecological Exams== | ||
| Line 117: | Line 136: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "MSU works in collaboration with the ministry of health to provide cervical cancer screening to hundreds of thousands of women in Uganda at heavily subsidised service prices." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | * [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: This is probably the best option for affordable gynecological exams. "MSU works in collaboration with the ministry of health to provide cervical cancer screening to hundreds of thousands of women in Uganda at heavily subsidised service prices." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | ||
* [http://thesurgeryuganda.org/ The Surgery Uganda]: This is one of the best hospitals in Kampala. You can get a gynecological exam (or "well woman service") at this hospital. To do this, you'll need to book an appointment. Consultation is between 85,000 UGX - 105,000 UGX and the pap smear is between 95,000 UGX and 100,000 UGX (as of January 2017). "We are an international medical facility providing affordable, scientific, evidence based health care in the centre of Kampala. We specialize in providing patient orientated general practice services, travel medicine, and 24 hour emergency room care." Note that this is a Christian hospital. | |||
* [http://www.nakaserohospital.com/ Nakasero Hospital]: This is one of the best hospitals in Kampala (it will probably be more expensive than Marie Stopes). They have an Obstetrics & Gynaecology department, which can give you a gynecological exam. The cost of the gynecological exam is 80,000shs for international Patients and 60,000shs for the Ugandan Nationals. Pap smear is 70,000shs (as of February 2017). "Nakasero Hospital is a private hospital that was started by a group of Consultant Doctors in 2009 who came together with a goal of setting up a world class hospital that would meet the healthcare needs of Ugandans and East Africans who were seeking medical treatment outside the region, due to the gap in quality healthcare services in the country." PHONE: +256 392 346 153, +256 312 531 400. EMAIL: info@nhl.co.ug. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 128: | Line 149: | ||
* [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "We provide antenatal and postnatal care through our network of centres. MSU also socially markets Misoclear, our brand of Misoprostol used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | * [http://mariestopes.or.ug/services/ Marie Stopes Uganda]: "We provide antenatal and postnatal care through our network of centres. MSU also socially markets Misoclear, our brand of Misoprostol used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage." Phone: +256 393 263 318/ 0414510337. Email: info@mariestopes.or.ug | ||
* [http://www.ntihc.org/service-delivery/antenantal-care/new-born-mothers-club/ New Born Mothers Club @ Naguru Teenage Information & Health Centre]: "Together with Uganda health marketing group, NTIHC established a New-born Mothers Club. The purpose of the club is to encourage healthy behaviors and provide a platform for expectant mothers to access vital information on new born care and safe motherhood. Since the launch of the club a total of 506 young mothers have been registered." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 139: | Line 161: | ||
In Uganda, abortion is generally illegal except when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy. The abortion law is also interpreted to cover when the woman's physical or mental health is endangered by the pregnancy. In all other circumstances, including when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when there is risk of fetal impairment, social/economic reasons or when the woman requests an abortion, abortion is not permitted. | In Uganda, abortion is generally illegal except when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy. The abortion law is also interpreted to cover when the woman's physical or mental health is endangered by the pregnancy. In all other circumstances, including when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when there is risk of fetal impairment, social/economic reasons or when the woman requests an abortion, abortion is not permitted. | ||
From a legal perspective, Ugandan abortion law is not clear. This makes it very difficult for the Ugandan legal and medical community to understand what is truly acceptable on legal grounds. According to the Ugandan Constitution, "No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorised by law." Yet, the "authorised" behavior is not specified under the Constitution. In the Penal Code, the law specifies that abortions can be performed to save the life of a woman and, under Section 217, a person who performs an abortion is not responsible if they perform it with the reasonable faith that it preserves the mother's life. Furthermore, Uganda, as a Commonwealth country, follows the ruling of the 938 English Rex v. Bourne decision, which ruled in favor of an abortion that prevented a woman from becoming “a physical and mental wreck." This case set the precedent for other potential abortions that may be performed on the grounds of preserving the physical or mental health of the woman. | From a legal perspective, Ugandan abortion law is not clear. This makes it very difficult for the Ugandan legal and medical community to understand what is truly acceptable on legal grounds. According to the Ugandan Constitution, "No person has the right to terminate the life of an unborn child except as may be authorised by law." Yet, the "authorised" behavior is not specified under the Constitution. In the Penal Code, the law specifies that abortions can be performed to save the life of a woman and, under Section 217, a person who performs an abortion is not responsible if they perform it with the reasonable faith that it preserves the mother's life. Furthermore, Uganda, as a Commonwealth country, follows the ruling of the 938 English Rex v. Bourne decision, which ruled in favor of an abortion that prevented a woman from becoming “a physical and mental wreck." This case set the precedent for other potential abortions that may be performed on the grounds of preserving the physical or mental health of the woman.<ref>[http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/abortion/profiles.htm UN Report: Abortion in Uganda]</ref> | ||
Due to the restrictive and unclear nature of Ugandan abortion laws, many women seek clandestine abortion services. While there is no official data on the underground abortion rate in Uganda, a 2003 study found that 1 out of 19 women in Uganda had obtained an abortion annually, which was higher than the East African average. Wealthier Ugandan women are often able to find nurses, doctors and licensed health care professionals who can secretly help them obtain abortions. Poorer Ugandan women must often resort to more unsafe (i.e. less medically trained) abortion providers. It should be emphasized that all women, whether rich or poor, experience risk in seeking out clandestine abortions in Uganda, as they are by nature underground and often lack comprehensive medical resources. In 2008, the Ugandan Ministry of Health estimated that 26% of all maternity-related deaths were due to abortions. | Due to the restrictive and unclear nature of Ugandan abortion laws, many women seek clandestine abortion services. While there is no official data on the underground abortion rate in Uganda, a 2003 study found that 1 out of 19 women in Uganda had obtained an abortion annually, which was higher than the East African average. Wealthier Ugandan women are often able to find nurses, doctors and licensed health care professionals who can secretly help them obtain abortions. Poorer Ugandan women must often resort to more unsafe (i.e. less medically trained) abortion providers. It should be emphasized that all women, whether rich or poor, experience risk in seeking out clandestine abortions in Uganda, as they are by nature underground and often lack comprehensive medical resources. In 2008, the Ugandan Ministry of Health estimated that 26% of all maternity-related deaths were due to abortions. | ||
If you're in Uganda and need an abortion, you should first try to consult medical personnel or friends who you trust. There are many unsafe providers, so you should exercise extreme caution. If you have the financial means to leave Uganda, you may want to consider obtaining an abortion in [[South Africa]] or [[Mozambique]], where it is available upon request. In [[Zambia]], abortion is permitted for social or economic reasons, so that may also be a place to consider (but you should research the details first and get in contact with a health care provider in Zambia to confirm). | If you're in Uganda and need an abortion, you should first try to consult medical personnel or friends who you trust. There are many unsafe providers, so you should exercise extreme caution. If you have the financial means to leave Uganda, you may want to consider obtaining an abortion in [[South Africa]] or [[Mozambique]], where it is available upon request. In [[Zambia]], abortion is permitted for social or economic reasons, so that may also be a place to consider (but you should research the details first and get in contact with a health care provider in Zambia to confirm). | ||
| Line 147: | Line 169: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
There is an underground network of abortion providers in Uganda. We cannot recommend any on this site, so we recommend that you consult with people you trust as a first step. You can also contact women's organizations that focus on family planning and reproductive health. Some of them may be able to help you out. | There is an underground network of abortion providers in Uganda. We cannot recommend any on this site, so we recommend that you consult with people you trust as a first step. You can also contact women's organizations that focus on family planning and reproductive health. Some of them may be able to help you out. Remember that there are many unsafe clandestine abortion providers in Uganda so you should exercise extreme caution. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
There is no official data on the cost of clandestine abortions in Uganda. In 2003, an abortion was estimated to cost $25-$88 if it was performed by a doctor or $14-$31 if it was performed by a nurse or midwife. For women who went to traditional healers, it was estimated that they paid $12-$34. For women who self-induced abortions, the cost was typically $4-$14. However, this information is now more than a decade old, so you can expect that the prices have changed. | There is no official data on the cost of clandestine abortions in Uganda. In 2003, an abortion was estimated to cost $25-$88 if it was performed by a doctor or $14-$31 if it was performed by a nurse or midwife. For women who went to traditional healers, it was estimated that they paid $12-$34. For women who self-induced abortions, the cost was typically $4-$14. However, this information is now more than a decade old, so you can expect that the prices have changed.<ref>[https://www.guttmacher.org/report/unintended-pregnancy-and-abortion-uganda Unintended Pregnancy and Abortion in Uganda]</ref> | ||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||
| Line 159: | Line 181: | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Abii Clinic in Wandegeya - They can handle crisis situations and can dispense medication to prevent HIV after rape. | |||
* [http://mariestopes.or.ug/our-hotline/ Marie Stopes Uganda Hotline]: "Our Hotlines – Call us free of charge on 0800 120 333 & 0800 220 333. Our client-focused hotline provides free, friendly and confidential counselling and information as well as referral for the following services: Family planning, Cervical Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Post Partum Hemorrhage, Condom use, Other products and services provided by MSU. Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 7.00am – 10.00pm & Saturday, 8.00am – 5.00pm. CALL NOW: 0800 120 333 or 0800 220 333. Speak to our counselors in your preferred language of communication, with the assurance of confidentiality. You could also send us an SMS and we’ll respond to your question. Simply type FP leave a space then your message and send to 8228. | * [http://mariestopes.or.ug/our-hotline/ Marie Stopes Uganda Hotline]: "Our Hotlines – Call us free of charge on 0800 120 333 & 0800 220 333. Our client-focused hotline provides free, friendly and confidential counselling and information as well as referral for the following services: Family planning, Cervical Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Post Partum Hemorrhage, Condom use, Other products and services provided by MSU. Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 7.00am – 10.00pm & Saturday, 8.00am – 5.00pm. CALL NOW: 0800 120 333 or 0800 220 333. Speak to our counselors in your preferred language of communication, with the assurance of confidentiality. You could also send us an SMS and we’ll respond to your question. Simply type FP leave a space then your message and send to 8228. | ||
* [http://www.ntihc.org/service-delivery/counseling-emotional-support/ Counseling and Emotional Support @ Naguru Teenage Information & Health Centre]: "NTIHC provides general counseling and emotional support to young people on a variety of sexual and reproductive health matters. The service aims to empower young people to deal with challenges related to puberty, to develop self-esteem and decision making and negotiation skills." | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
| Line 165: | Line 189: | ||
==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* [https://www.mhtf.org/organization/uganda-private-midwives-organization-upmo/ Uganda Private Midwives Association]: Email: mgkmusoke@yahoo.com. Phone: +256 (0) 772 467 662. Address: PO Box 30962 256 Kampala Uganda. | |||
* [http://graceworksinitiative.org/ Grace Works Initiative]: "Grace Works Initiative (GWI) is a registered not-for profit Organisation in Uganda, established in 2013. The Organization promotes delivery of health services and wellness support to isolated and impoverished rural communities focusing mainly on women and Children." | * [http://graceworksinitiative.org/ Grace Works Initiative]: "Grace Works Initiative (GWI) is a registered not-for profit Organisation in Uganda, established in 2013. The Organization promotes delivery of health services and wellness support to isolated and impoverished rural communities focusing mainly on women and Children." | ||