KABALE – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, has warned young girl’s on the dangers of using emergency pills as a form of contraception.
Dr. Atwine delivered this cautionary message during her Keynote address on November 8th, 2023, at the official Launch of Kabale University Mental Wellness Centre in Kabale District. The event centered on providing integrated sexual reproductive health/HIV/gender-based violence and mental health services, under the theme “Bridging the Gap in Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Information and Services for Young People.”
Dr. Atwine expressed her apprehension, particularly for university students, who resort to unreliable family planning methods such as the routine use of emergency pills after engaging in sexual activity.
“Whereas the number of sexually transmitted infections and new HIV infections has decreased among adults, the UPHIA report highlights an increase in new HIV infections among adolescents and young people. Many students are already sexually active, with some having multiple sex partners and cross-generational sex”. Dr Atwine said.
She emphasized that such practices can lead to potential health complications in the future, stressing that emergency pills should only be used sparingly and not as a regular contraceptive method.
“Emerging trend of young girl’s routinely using emergency pills rather than condoms or abstinence. Am told many girls fear pregnancy more than HIV, and other STIs. They should know that irrational use of these pills is exposing many women to many long term complications, and STIs from unsafe sex”. Dr Atwine said.
Dr. Atwine noted a disturbing trend wherein the routine use of emergency pills has contributed to an increased mortality rate, with 24% of reported cases involving young girls.
“Adolescent pregnancy increased to 24% with known consequences like school dropouts and pregnancy-related complications (hemorrhage, obstructed labor, abortions, obstetric fistula, and death)”. Dr Atwine noted.
She added “Over 20% of women who die due to maternal related mortality are young girls”.
Urging young adult girls to take charge of their bodies and health, Dr. Atwine underscored the importance of responsible decision-making for a brighter future.
“There is also increasing cases of alcohol and substance abuse among young people contributing immensely to mental health cases. Go to Butabika today and see the majority of patients on those wards”. Dr Atwine noted.
CUE IN DR ATWINE….ON THE ISSUE…….ENG//
Switching the focus to academia, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, weighed in on the challenges faced by young adults, attributing many of these difficulties to a lack of information about how their bodies function. Prof. Kwesiga emphasized the need to address both boy and girl children, calling for a comprehensive approach to education and awareness.
CUE IN PROF KWESIGA….ON GENDER…..ENG//
