The Chief Executive Officer of Action 4 Health Uganda (A4HU), Sarah Kintu, attended the 2026 World Health Summit in Germany in October, participating in discussions on global health priorities, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the well-being of young people.
Despite efforts to ensure that young people from Uganda participated in these important conversations, visa challenges prevented them from attending in person. Their absence raised an important question: How can global health platforms meaningfully amplify young people’s voices when barriers continue to limit their participation? As the generation most affected by many health policies and interventions, young people must be included in decisions that shape their health and futures.
Drawing on A4HU’s experience in youth-centred SRHR programming, Sarah engaged with key stakeholders to share perspectives on the realities and health needs of young people in Uganda and the wider region. Among those she met was Georg Kippels, Parliamentary State Secretary at Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health. Their discussion explored opportunities to strengthen health systems in Uganda and Kenya and improve access to healthcare.
Sarah highlighted pressing community health challenges, including cervical cancer and teenage pregnancy. Discussions also addressed the value of investing in prevention, Universal Health Coverage, the role of technology and social media in health promotion, and the importance of engaging men more actively in SRHR.
A4HU’s partner, DSW, was proud to co-host this year’s Dialogue under the theme “Phoenix Rising: Practical Approaches to SRHR in the New Reality.” Country perspectives brought the discussions closer to realities on the ground, emphasising local leadership and practical approaches to building resilient SRHR programmes.
One message stood out: advancing SRHR in today’s changing landscape requires new partnerships, locally led solutions and sustained commitment.
For A4HU, meaningful progress also means ensuring that young people are not merely the subjects of global health discussions but active participants in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
