DTB earmarks UGX400m for youth health initiative
Gift Malunga, Country Representative of UNFPA, signs the partnership agreement as Mbabazi Emejeit, DTB’s Executive Director, looks on.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Uganda have signed a partnership worth USD106,458 (about UGX400 million) as a contribution to efforts aimed at reducing school absenteeism and improving menstrual hygiene for young girls in Uganda’s marginalized communities.
Speaking at the signing event in Kampala on September 18, officials said the contribution would support the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth (SAY) Empowerment and Rights Programme, aimed at enhancing access to and utilization of SRHR and SGBV information and services among young people aged 10-24 in refugee settlements and their host communities.
“It is a pleasure for DTB and UNFPA to have this partnership as it will benefit our young people in Uganda,” said Gift Malunga, Country Representative of UNFPA.
- “This partnership underscores the importance of improving the menstrual hygiene situation among vulnerable schoolgirls in Uganda’s marginalized areas.”
The partnership between UNFPA and DTB not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for sustainable health improvements and gender equality, ultimately contributing to the overall development and empowerment of Uganda's youth.
Mbabazi Emejeit, DTB’s Executive Director, stated that their sustainability agenda looks at creating an environment and communities where social development is obtained by all.
- The contribution would enable 10,000 vulnerable schoolgirls have access to: - packets of reusable sanitary pads (School Girl Kit) consisting of 5 pads: two maxi, two mini, one super maxi, and two carrying pouches (one leak proof pouch for storing soiled pads); 10,000 pairs of underwear; 10,000 backpacks; hygiene education booklets (available in three languages).
The reusable sanitary towels have a lifespan of up to two years. These are supplied by AFRIpads Uganda, a company credited as thought leader and active contributor to advancing the menstrual movement worldwide.
“Through partnerships like this one, we intend to reach 10,000 vulnerable girls through our Achieve More Girl initiatives intended to sustain the girl-child in school as she prepares for social development goals in adulthood,” said Mbabazi, adding that it is part of their commitment to the bank’s comprehensive Sustainability and Citizenship Master Plan.
The SAY Programme, launched last year by the Danish government in collaboration with UNFPA, is a four-year initiative running from January 2024 to December 2027.
The DTB/UNFPA partnership focuses on collaborating on health system transformations to enhance the health and well-being of women and girls, scaling up health innovations, developing innovative financing models for sustainable interventions, and conducting joint advocacy efforts to raise public awareness and visibility.
- Direct beneficiaries of this partnership are expected to register reduced school absenteeism during the menstrual period and will have improved knowledge on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene.