OGERA has conducted quarterly community outreaches, primarily focused on the distribution of HIV prevention commodities across key hotspots in the Central Region, including Mukono, Seta, Rubaga, Bwaise, and Nansana.
The initiative aims to contribute to the availability, accessibility, and utilization of HIV prevention commodities, while reducing the unplanned pregnancies, HIV transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases among community members.
We extend our sincere appreciation to JMS, AIC, Uganda Cares, MARPI, and LMEC for their invaluable support and collaboration in making these activities a success.
Together, we continue to strengthen community-based HIV prevention efforts and promote healthier, safer communities.
OGERA joined other CSOs to commemorate the International Safe Abortion Day.
The meeting facilitated by Dumaic Global Health launched and disseminated the findings from two research studies done on essential medicines for safe abortions namely;
1. The extent to which LIRA (Litigating Reproductive Justice in Africa) countries have aligned their National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLS) to World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Measuring Prices, Availability & Affordability of Essential Commodities for Safe Abortion
The meeting provided a platform for partners to discuss the findings, a wayforward and identify the role of each partner in sensitizing and creating demand of SRHR medicines at community level to ensure utilization
OGERA, has conducted Hotspot-Based Community Sensitisation Dialogues in Nansana and Nabweru hotspots under the ongoing EmpowHER project coordinated by UNESO.
The dialogues are aimed at increasing awareness, informed choice, demand, and access to PrEP services among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).
The sessions have strengthened participants’ understanding of PrEP choices, addressed misconceptions, promoted informed decision-making, and contributed to demand for HIV prevention services among AGYW.
OGERA successfully conducted quarterly community outreaches through the DIC Service Delivery Model, targeting various hotspots across Mukono, Kampala, and Wakiso Districts.
We utilised our Peer-to-Peer Led Mechanism to enhance the efficiency and accountability of service delivery, while contributing to the reduction of new HIV infections and unintended pregnancies.
To strengthen community preparedness and enhance Ebola prevention efforts, OGERA has conducted a one-day Orientation of Ebola Community Champions in Bundibugyo District.
The orientation has equipped community champions with essential knowledge about Ebola, empowering them to serve as trusted health advocates in a high-risk border district vulnerable to cross-border disease transmission.
Participants have received training on the history of Ebola, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of early detection and reporting. The trained Community Champions have also been linked to the District Information Centre (DIC), the central Ebola response coordination point in Bundibugyo, to ensure timely, appropriate, and coordinated referral pathways.
As part of the practical sessions, participants have developed community protection strategies, including promoting handwashing facilities, encouraging travel screening at identified hotspots, and raising awareness on preventive practices within their communities.
This orientation marks an important step toward building resilient communities that are informed, prepared, and actively engaged in preventing the spread of Ebola. By empowering Community Champions, OGERA is strengthening the first line of defense against disease outbreaks and reinforcing community-led public health preparedness.
OGERA is participating in the Global Fund HIV Studies Dissemination Workshop convened by the Makerere University School of Public Health, bringing together key stakeholders.
The workshop is dessimimating findings from three key studies, namely:
1. Prevention Outcome Monitoring Study (GF POM)
2. Stigma study - Analysis of the current state of HIV related stigma and discrimination in Uganda
3. Crane Survey products including Bio Behaviour sentinel suvervelillance across 15 sites and data generated by the electronic health screening services through ACASI
The findings will provide critical evidence to strengthen HIV policy development and reforms, support evidence based programming, and guide targeted interventions that respond to the needs of the community members.
OGERA has conducted a 5th Ebola Awareness Hotspot-Based Dialogue engaging Refugee and Migrant women experiencing heightened risks at the Busunga border point in Bundibugyo District.
The engagement has been facilitated by the Ebola Response Team from Bundibugyo General Hospital aimed at improving participants’ understanding of Ebola transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention, and response strategies leading to improved risk perception, reduced misinformation, stronger community engagement, and increased early reporting of suspected cases.
The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials disseminated during the session have enhanced participants understanding of Ebola Awareness, preparedness, prevention and control among our community members
The continued collaboration with district health workers, partner organisations and community members will sustain community awareness, enhance vigilance, support referral pathways and community-based preparedness for Ebola and other emerging infectious disease threats.
