Uganda: Difference between revisions

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. If you want emergency contraception (the morning after pill), you typically don't need a prescription to purchase it pharmacies (though, technically-speaking, it may be legally required). However, if you can't get a prescription, you can 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 legal, except for when the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy and, as its' 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.

In Uganda, 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>