PLATFORM for the NEEDY (PLANE) has equipped the youth with skills to access post-rape care at health facilities.

This was during a one day youth training at Kyebambe Model primary school, Fort Portal City Western Uganda on Saturday 21st January, 2023. This was in line with the Every Hour Matters campaign that aims at increasing awareness about the critical importance of quickly accessing post rape care. The campaign calls for national and community leaders to ensure comprehensive services are available in all communities.

Ainganiza Waddell Steven, the Founder of PLANE, observed that most youth lack access to information about reproductive health. He argued the youths to prioritize the Every Hour Matters campaign to access post rape care services like PEP and Emergency pills at the nearest health facility to prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancies. He said that today millions of people including girls and adolescents in Uganda are subjected to sexual violence by friends, relatives or members of the community. This violence exposes them to risks of acquiring HIV and unwanted pregnancies.

Waddell noted that despite the high rates of rape and defilement, many adolescents are not aware that survivors of sexual violence have only 72 hours to receive post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV/AIDS. He said female survivors have 120 hours to receive emergency contraception (EC) to prevent pregnancy.

Kebirungi Harriet a youth from Buheesi said that the training helped her to understand the availability of the services at health facilities. She further advised fellow girls to stick to their goals, listen to their parents and avoid peer groups that may spoil their future.

Ruyonga Enock, a resident of Kiyombya and the head prefect Kahinju secondary school, said he was motivated by the training, learnt how to identify himself with the family back ground and become innovative.

According to violence against children surveys, (VSCS) led by CDC globaly, 25% of girl’s first sexual intercourse was physically forced or coerced, and the majority of cases happened before the age of 16.