KITEBI HC III YOUTH CORNER CHANGING LIVES

On August 29th, 2024, with financial backing from DSW, Action 4 Health Uganda commissioned the new Youth-friendly corner at Kitebi Health Centre III in the Rubaga Division of Kampala District. This was a crucial milestone in ensuring that young people have access to health services and information in a conducive and accommodating environment.

We visited the youth corner to catch up on what has been unfolding since the commissioning. We interacted with the Nursing Officer, Peer Educators, and patients to get a first-hand account of their experience with the new space.

From Sister Edith Nalwoga, Nursing Officer, Youth Corner, Kitebi Health Centre III

“We are grateful for the new space, which has significantly enhanced our ability to provide youth-friendly health services to young people. There is now a separate space for curative cases and youth-related cases. In the past, we used to provide both services in the same space, and information was shared openly without regard to the ages of those present. Now, this has changed with information shared age appropriately.”

Sister Edith noted that the Youth-friendly corner has had a profound impact on the community, with a significant increase in the uptake of services such as HIV testing, counseling, and curative services. This success story indicates the corner’s positive influence on the Community, paving the way for a brighter future for youth health services.

From Suzan Nalweyiso, Peer Educator, Youth Corner, Kitebi Health Centre III

Suzan starts her day at 8:00 a.m. at the Youth Corner, where she meets young people and conducts health talks. She also performs counseling or one-on-one sessions with young people about life challenges and health issues, how to approach health workers, and how to disclose health issues. She also discusses with them different health topics like HIV/AIDS, condom use, and how to live responsibly as young people.

Suzan teaches young people on the importance of condom use
Suzan and a Health Worker attend to a young man at the Youth Corner

Suzan also dispenses medicine to young people as prescribed by medical personnel.

“The medical personnel trained me on how to dispense medicine. This has helped a lot, especially when there are few health workers, yet there is a high demand for their services. When something is unclear, I always ask for clarity to ensure that the right medicine is dispensed to the patients,” she added. In the photos below, Suzan dispenses medicine to the young people as prescribed by the health workers,

Suzan was inspired to join the Youth Corner as a Peer Educator when she noticed a human resource gap at the health facility. She shared, “I used to come for services at the health center but would waste a lot of time waiting to be attended to because the health workers were few. I decided to join the team to help, especially my fellow youth.”

From the young people benefiting from the Youth Corner

Kelvin Wasswa, 19 years old, resident of Nateete

“I am glad that I came here for medical assistance. The services provided here are different from what I have experienced elsewhere. The peer educators were very nice, welcoming, and hospitable. I will recommend this facility to my fellow youth.”

Aisha Nabbumba, 19 years old, resident of Kibuye

“The Youth Corner has greatly benefited me; they pay attention to my health needs, which is unique and different from the other health facilities. The Peer Educators are youthful like us, which also eases our access to health services.”

The Youth Corner has a recreation area with a pool table to keep the young people occupied while waiting to see the health workers and peer educators.

Youth playing pool at the Youth Corner

Challenges

The Youth Corner faces a staffing challenge. The ratio of health workers and peer educators to young people accessing health services is still challenging. More health workers and peer educators are needed to handle the numbers and ensure that every young person receives the care they need.

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