Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) through the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies (FIS) has established an Adolescent Clinic to address the health and reproductive issues of adolescents in the region.
According to Dr. Violah N. Nyakato, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, this was part of the MUST-Parent Child Communication Project which is aimed at showcasing a decade of promotion of adolescent sexual and reproductive health through research, training, partnership, policy, and community engagement.
The clinic was unveiled on 25th August 2022 in a series of events held at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) and Lake View hotel. The guest of honor was Dr. Allan Kasozi from the Ministry of Health who represented Dr. Dinah Nakiganda the Assistant commissioner for Adolescents Health and Education.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Kasozi pledged that Ministry will offer full support for the smooth operation of the newly established clinic.
‘’Matters of Adolescents’ Health are crucial because the biggest percentage of Uganda’s population is composed of young people adolescents inclusive, as a ministry, we are happy for this initiative of establishing an adolescent clinic the first of its kind in Uganda and it’s in line with the ministry of health Adolescent Health Policy Agenda. We shall be ready to offer our support where it is needed,’’ Dr. Kasozi stated.
The unveiling of the clinic was followed by a Dissemination conference held at Lake view hotel presided over by Dr. Bariyo Rogers, the Dean of FIS where several stakeholders from Ghent University, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), MUST, leaders from Rwemishekye- Bwizibwera disseminated on the Parent-adolescent SRH communication intervention (C-PAC Project). These presented about the quantitative and qualitative baseline of the project, design of the project, study effectiveness, significance change, process evaluation and community experience.
Dr. Cleophas Karooma the Deputy Dean FIS, thanked MRRH for accepting to host the Adolescent clinic and other stakeholders of this project for the support to ensure that the project’s objectives are achieved.
Congratulations to MUST Researchers led by Dr. Viola Nyakato