Netherlands Donates SH9 Billion to Uganda

Save the Children, an NGO in Uganda, has received a SH9 billion aid from the Dutch government, according to African news site allafrica. Save the Children is a non-governmental organization dedicated to projects that raise awareness on sexual and reproductive health for the youth and adolescents in Rubaga, Agago, Nwoya and Kawempe, and Central Divisions in Kampala. Espen Faugstad (flickr) During the launch of “Keep it Real” project, Dutch Ambassador Alphons Hennekens said the NGO was awarded a three-year funding focused on teaching and training young people about sexual and reproductive health. "Sexual and reproductive health is one of the most urgent issues Uganda has to deal with. With almost half the population below 14 years of age, an investment in issues such as family planning and reproductive health can only be considered essential for its citizens," Hennekens said during Save the Children launch in Lubaga Division Head Quarters. On behalf of Health Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, Nwoya District Health Officer Dr. Janet Oola read his speech. He encourages young people, the government, and all stake holders to work together in tackling the issues in HIV. Dr. Janet Oola quoted, "By providing adolescent friendly information and increasing access to sexual and reproductive health services, the "Keep it real" project will reduce mortality and morbidity attributable to sexual and reproductive health.” She added that young people engage in unprotected sexual acts without having the right knowledge on the possible consequences of their actions. Save the Children’s Country Director Barbara Bouroughs said they will reach out to these communities to promote sexual and reproductive health through youth dialogues and interaction.