
Transforming Reproductive
Health Education in Uganda
In Uganda, the journey towards reducing teen pregnancies and ensuring safer maternal health has been met with significant challenges.
Limited access to reproductive health education, coupled with socio-economic barriers, has left many young people without the tools they need to make informed decisions. However, through the partnership with Wise Choices For Life Uganda, Anglican Overseas Aid is helping bridge the gap.
The program empowers communities by promoting reproductive health education and family planning, with a particular focus on schools. By equipping students, educators, and local leaders with knowledge, WCFL is creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom.
The Critical Link Between Education and Maternal Health
When it comes to having a skilled birth attendant during one of the most critical moments in a woman’s life, education plays a vital role. In Uganda, the likelihood of having skilled care during labour increases from 38% for women without education to 55% for those with a primary school education. For women who graduate secondary school, the chances rise to an impressive 93%.
This correlation highlights the importance of ensuring young people—particularly girls—remain in school. However, WCFL understands that education isn’t just about keeping children in classrooms; it’s about creating lifelong access to knowledge. For girls who leave school early, the program provides alternative opportunities to learn about reproductive health, ensuring they are not left behind.
Empowering Communities to Transform Lives

Health assistant Kharunda (above) is a testament to the program’s impact. Following a WCFL training session in her area, she noticed a significant increase in patients seeking care at the health centre where she works.
“The training opened people’s eyes,” Kharunda shared. “So many women began coming in for consultations that we had to hire an additional staff member.”
For Kharunda, the change is bittersweet. Having seen mothers and their newborns tragically pass away during labour due to a lack of skilled birth attendants, she now sees hope in the community’s increased awareness. “The challenge now,” she says, “is keeping up with the demand.”
The impact of the WCFL program is reflected in its achievements:
- 2,743 teenagers, aged 12 to 17, received training in communication and life skills, including age-appropriate sexuality education and resisting peer pressure.
- 3,456 individuals were provided with counselling on family planning and contraceptive use.
These milestones represent more than numbers; they signify lives changed and futures secured.
The WCFL program extends beyond schools, engaging community leaders in churches, prisons, and men’s and women’s groups to create a network of advocates for reproductive health education. This holistic approach ensures that knowledge reaches all corners of the community, empowering individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Through initiatives like this, Anglican Overseas Aid and WCFL are transforming reproductive health education in Uganda—one community at a time. By equipping young people and families with the tools they need, they are fostering resilience and creating a brighter future for all.