For many people living in remote communities across Uganda, accessing family planning services is not as simple as visiting the nearest health facility. Long distances, high transport costs, and a lack of timely information often prevent individuals from receiving the care they need, resulting in unplanned pregnancies and health risks.

Travel and Cost Challenges

Namamde Juliet from Mweruka C, Kyesiiga Sub County, Masaka district, shared her struggle:

“I had wanted to use family planning, but had no transport to Kamulegu and no money for the pharmacy. It costs 10,000 shillings for a round trip. Sometimes, I didn’t even have 3,000 shillings for the injectable. That’s why it was so difficult for me to access services.”

Similarly, Nakitende Harriet from Kyankolokolo Island highlighted the impact of distance on young women:

“The health facility was so far away that I could not access family planning. As a result, I got an unplanned pregnancy at 18. But thanks to HAC and our VHTs, health workers now bring services to our village, so we no longer face these hardships.”

Walking Long Distances

For many, lack of money for transport means walking long distances under challenging conditions. Namyalo Betty shared:

“I have faced many challenges in getting to the health facility. When I didn’t have money for transport, I had to walk long distances. Along the way, the dust settles on you, and sometimes you even encounter dangers. We used to go through these situations. I have received the services I needed, but it often took a long time because there are many people, which makes everything rushed. This could even cause other health problems for me. That is why it is such a relief and a great help when the services are brought closer to our community.”

Health Risks and Missed Opportunities

For some, delays in accessing services have serious consequences. Nakayenga Betty explained:

“I went to Bijaaba but found they had closed. Later, I developed a fever and was told at a clinic that I was pregnant. Today, I am relieved because the services have come closer, and I can access family planning without these long journeys.”

Support for Elderly Men and Family Planning Education

Family planning education is not just for women; it is also essential for men. Kamoga Charles, a 70-year-old from Bweyagalire, highlighted how older men are often overlooked:

“The government usually focuses on women, children, and youth, but rarely on us, the elderly. Today, we received health services for diseases like prostate issues and syphilis. We also learned that family planning is about planning for the family, not just spacing out children. This knowledge helps even those of us who can no longer have children understand how to care for our families better.”

Empowering Communities Through Outreaches

Across these communities, the presence of Health Access Connect (HAC) and community health workers has been transformative. Nauwende Justine from Kyannamukaaka explained:

“I had struggled with implants and injectables, but now HAC has connected us to doctors and public health facilities. They have arranged transport and educated us on permanent methods. This has eased our stress and improved our health.”

Josephine from Nakiyaga also highlighted the consistency of outreach services:

 “The health workers come at the right time, targeting when our family planning methods are about to expire. Since then, I have never had an unplanned pregnancy. HAC has made it possible for us to plan our families effectively.”

Conclusion

These stories show the real challenges people face in remote communities, long distances, transport costs, delays, and lack of information, and the impact this has on health and family planning. By bringing services closer to communities, educating people, and providing timely care, organisations like HAC are not only improving access to family planning but also empowering individuals and families to make informed choices about their health and future.

“It’s a relief to have services come closer to us,” says Namamde Juliet. “It has helped me plan my family and avoid unplanned pregnancies.”

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“When you see men calling to request vasectomy services… that’s when you know real change is happening.” — Joyce Namasinga, Midwife and Family Planning Coordinator at HAC

A Calling Rooted in Care

For Joyce, joining Health Access Connect’s family planning project wasn’t just a job but a return to purpose. As a trained midwife and midwifery tutor with deep roots in Uganda’s Central Region, she had witnessed the consequences of unmet reproductive health needs. High fertility rates, poor maternal health, and limited access to family planning options weren’t just statistics; they were her daily reality.

“When I joined HAC,” Joyce reflects, “it felt like a natural continuation of everything I had already committed my life to. But this time, I was part of a system working to transform not just individuals but entire communities.”

For the past 3 years, Joyce Namasinga has diligently led the Health Access Connect Family Planning team as the Family Planning Coordinator and Trainer under the Treat and Teach Family Planning Project, funded by the Berstrom Foundation.

The Early Hurdles

From the outset, Joyce and her team faced deep-seated barriers: fears of side effects, cultural myths, limited male involvement, and frequent stockouts of contraceptives. But the solution was never one-size-fits-all.

“We didn’t come in with answers. We came in ready to listen,” she says.

Through consistent community dialogues, collaboration with district leaders, and capacity-building of health workers, Joyce helped shift perspectives one conversation at a time.

“Trust is earned slowly,” she adds. “And in these communities, trust is everything.”

A Community in Transition

Over time, change began to take root. More women opted for long-acting and permanent methods. Men started showing up not as gatekeepers, but as supporters. Couples began making informed decisions together.

“I’ll never forget the couple who came in for a vasectomy for the man, BTL for the woman. They kept it secret from us until afterwards, fearing we might object. But instead, we celebrated their courage.”

For Joyce, these moments prove the power of informed choice.

“You see a family with ten children, now happy and secure, and you know your work matters.”

A Broader Vision for Health

With the integration of maternal and child health services into HAC’s monthly outreach model, Joyce believes the future of healthcare delivery is evolving.

“It’s more than just family planning now. We’re delivering ANC, immunisations, lab testing, and treatment all at once. It’s efficient, lifesaving, and exactly what these communities need.”

Village Health Teams (VHTs) play a pivotal role.

“They are our backbone in the field. They refer, mobilise, and keep the conversation going even when we’re not there. And youth and men, once excluded, are now central to the dialogue.”

What Drives Her

When the work gets hard, Joyce leans on her purpose.

 “I think about that one woman who needed us. That youth who walked miles for information. That man who finally said, ‘I’m ready.’ That’s what keeps me going.”

Her dream? A Uganda where family planning is universal and normalised. Where stockouts are history. Where health services are integrated, inclusive, and community-led. And where every family, no matter how remote, has the power to choose.

A Message to Policymakers and Donors

“Please invest in the people,” Joyce urges. “Support the systems that are already working. Prioritise community mobilisation, commodity security, and consistent health worker training. That’s how we turn access into impact.”

Joyce’s story is more than a personal journey; it’s a reflection of a movement. One where barriers are being broken, myths are being replaced with facts, and remote Ugandan communities are rewriting their health stories on their terms.

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Access to healthcare is only half the battle; ensuring quality care is equally vital. Healthcare Access Connect (HAC) is dedicated to closing the distance to healthcare for over one million people in Uganda and beyond by 2030. By focusing on specialised training for healthcare providers, HAC is Changing Community healthcare, particularly for mothers and children in underserved areas.

The Challenge

Despite the efforts to link remote communities to healthcare, the quality of services remains a pressing concern. Recognising this, HAC has taken proactive steps to empower healthcare providers, enhancing both access and the standard of care in hard-to-reach communities in Uganda.

HAC’s initiative

One significant initiative by HAC involves training midwives in crucial services such as Family Planning, Antenatal Care (ANC), Postnatal Care, and immunisation. Recently, 17 midwives in the Masaka and Lwengo districts underwent refresher training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to provide essential care during community-led outreaches. 

As these trained midwives participate in outreach programs, they are effective in tackling the healthcare needs of mothers and children. The result? An impressive increase in the number of women seeking ANC services. This innovative approach improves the use of services and creates a supportive environment for families, making healthcare more accessible and effective.

With continued support, HAC can expand these impactful initiatives, reaching even more communities, families and saving countless lives. Together, we can transform the landscape of community healthcare in Uganda, enhancing the quality of life for those who need it most.

Your support can make a difference and help us empower communities through access to quality healthcare.

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In remote Ugandan communities, access to family planning services has long been obstructed by myths, stigma, and logistical hurdles, but Health Access Connect (HAC) is changing that narrative. Through innovative outreach models like male dialogues, youth sessions, and workplace engagements, HAC is bringing reproductive healthcare directly to those often left behind. This bold, community-centred approach is increasing uptake of services like Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives LARCs and vasectomies and reshaping attitudes, especially among men, toward shared responsibility in family planning.

A New Way Forward

Recognising the need for a new approach, HAC intensified its community engagement through various strategic initiatives. These activities facilitated meaningful dialogue and empowered individuals with essential knowledge and resources related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). 

Male Dialogues, the introduction of male dialogues proved crucial in addressing often overlooked perspectives. By engaging men in conversations about SRH, the initiative fostered an environment where issues such as STI management and HIV prevention could be openly discussed. This led to increased awareness and responsibility among men regarding their health and the health of their partners.

Youth-focused discussions have created a safe space for young people to share their thoughts and concerns. These sessions addressed common misconceptions and provided accurate information about contraceptive options, ultimately helping youths make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Talk to men at work, the outreaches in workplaces, particularly in garages and fishing hubs, cater for busy men who might otherwise lack access to SRH services. By bringing resources directly to these locations, the initiative ensured that vital information reached individuals who may not seek it out due to time constraints or stigma.

Lastly, targeting sex workers in high-traffic areas was instrumental in providing vital SRH services where they were most needed. These outreach efforts included offering STI testing and prevention resources, empathising with the unique challenges faced by this community, and replacing misinformation with empowerment.

Through these diverse community activities, HAC addresses immediate health concerns and fosters a culture of acceptance and awareness around sexual and reproductive health, paving the way for informed communities ready to take charge of their health.

Impact That Speaks Volumes

• More couples are consenting to family planning and embracing long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs).
• Men are actively participating in reproductive health discussions, leading to better-informed decisions.
• An increasing number of Bilateral Tubal Ligations (BTLs) now have male consent, indicating a shift in attitudes.
• Workplace engagement has removed barriers for busy men, allowing them to access essential family planning services without disrupting their livelihoods.
• Men are increasingly considering and consenting to vasectomies, although uptake is still in its early stages, showing a slow but promising change in perceptions toward male-led contraceptive choices.

Sustaining the Momentum 

In conclusion, community-driven advocacy is at the forefront of transforming reproductive healthcare. We must maintain our commitment to collaboration among donors, health professionals, and local leaders to ensure equitable access for everyone. 

Together, we can continue to break down barriers, empower our communities, and foster lasting change that will improve lives. Let’s unite in this vital mission, your support can make all the difference.

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At HAC, we’ve always believed in resilience, in ourselves, the communities we serve, the health workers, our supporters, and our mission. As we step into this new chapter, we find ourselves facing a challenging reality. While we are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made with the support of the USAID Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) award, we are not certain if this support will continue. This uncertainty has led us to make some tough but necessary decisions.

Adopting to change

We’ve had to create an emergency budget to ensure we continue delivering healthcare to remote communities. This means reducing some of our activities, scaling back certain plans, and focusing on maintaining the heart of our work, the integrated health outreaches that bring essential medical services to hard-to-reach areas.

Though we may have to move at a slower pace, our commitment remains unwavering. We will maintain our current outreach sites and continue expanding to new remote communities, carefully balancing our ambitions with the resources we have.

Moving Forward with Purpose

This period of adjustment doesn’t mean we are standing still. We are actively working to gather support from new avenues. Our team is:

• Collecting donations from those who believe in our mission and want to stand with us.
• Engaging with foundations and partners who share our vision of accessible healthcare for all.
• Strengthening relationships with community health workers and local organizations to sustain our efforts on the ground.

How you can help

Now, more than ever, we invite you to be part of this journey. Whether through a donation, connecting us to potential partners, or simply amplifying our message, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that even during times of uncertainty, healthcare reaches those who need it most.

Thank you for standing by us, believing in our work, and helping us build a healthier, more resilient future for all.

With gratitude,

The HAC Team

#closingdistance #remotecommunities #health #public

Kaziru Village, situated at a landing site in Bukakkata sub-county, Masaka district, has experienced a remarkable transformation since partnering with Healthcare Access Connect (HAC). At the heart of this story is Naluyima Consolanta, a dedicated businesswoman, Local Council (LC) leader, the district’s secretary for women, and a Community Health Worker.

When HAC Joined Kaziru’s Journey

“In 2020, HAC joined Kaziru Village following a community meeting led by me and other leaders. The community, recognizing the distance to the nearest health facility, agreed that each patient would contribute 2,000 Ugandan shillings to help transport health workers and medicines. This collective effort marked the beginning of a life-changing partnership.” Recalled Naluyima Consolanta.

Since then, HAC has consistently brought healthcare services to Kaziru, offering treatment for cough, fever, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV testing, and care for pregnant mothers. The impact has been profound, ensuring that essential medical services are within reach.

Facing Challenges Together

“In 2023, Kaziru faced a significant challenge when heavy rains made their unconstructed road muddy and impassable, with deep potholes raising transport costs to 8,000 shillings for a round trip. The community temporarily increased their contribution to 3,000 shillings to keep healthcare services going. Once the road was cleared, they returned to the usual 2,000 shillings,” said Consolanta. Showing resilience and unity.

Fighting Malaria in the Community

Malaria remains a pressing health issue in Kaziru. Despite the distribution of mosquito nets, some community members misuse them for fishing or nursery beds. Given the village’s proximity to forests and many residents work in timber cutting and fishing, mosquito bites are a constant threat. HAC has responded by educating the community on malaria prevention, clearing bushes, draining stagnant water, and correctly using mosquito nets, whether sleeping on a bed or on the floor.

Expanding Healthcare Access

While Kaziru has benefited from HAC’s support, the need for healthcare access extends to neighboring villages like Makunzi and Wakisoko. Though Bukakkata has a Health Center II, its limited services mean these distant communities still struggle to get the care they need. There is a growing hope that HAC’s outreach will soon reach these areas as well.

Empowering Leadership and Personal Growth

Working alongside HAC has strengthened Naluyima Consolanta’s leadership role. She has gained recognition not only within Kaziru but also at health facilities and among organizations. Known affectionately as “Mother Eve,” she is seen as the key link between the village and HAC.

“Even if someone is talking about HAC, they will tell you that ‘Mother Eve’ is the one who connected us to these people,” said Naluyima Consolanta.

This growing trust has positioned Naluyima as a reliable source of health information, especially for the youth who now seek her advice and collect condoms without fear or stigma, a change from the past.

A Brighter Future for Kaziru

Through HAC’s health education programs, Kaziru has made significant strides in improving community health. People now understand how to prevent malaria, protect themselves from HIV, and use condoms responsibly. The shift is also economic; residents have gone from selling mattresses to paying just 2,000 shillings for healthcare, with enough left over to buy juice or salt for the sick.

“Kaziru Village remains deeply grateful for HAC’s continued support. The community hopes that more villages like Makunzi and Wakisoko will soon share in this progress.” Requested Consolata, With steadfast determination and collective effort, the future of healthcare in Kaziru shines bright.

Healthcare Access Connect (HAC)We have started a fundraising campaign to help us continue to provide healthcare services to the most marginalized communities in the months to come. If you would like to support us in this, you can visit https://healthaccessconnect.org/donate

It’s been difficult to keep up with all the news, but I want to talk about what we have seen in Uganda.

Impact on healthcare in Uganda

Here are some key things that have happened:

• All US government grant recipients received stop work orders during the last week of January. The public healthcare system in Uganda receives about 50% of its funding from the US government and partners.
• Many of the staff of organizations supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) were told to stay at home, and it has not been clear if and how people can distribute antiretroviral medicine (ARVs) to people living with HIV. In Uganda alone, this supports over 1.4 million people living with HIV who are at risk of death within weeks if they do not take their daily medicine. There is no other way to access ARVs in the country. The US government has sent follow-up orders to distribute medicine, but there is still confusion on the ground, and many patients are reaching out to find a way to get their medicine.
• There has been an ebola outbreak, and CDC and USAID usually partner with the Government Uganda and other partners to address outbreaks, but funding and disease specialists are not easily mobilized.

So things have been shaken up very abruptly, and it is not yet clear what will happen in the coming months.

Impact on HAC

Health Access Connect (HAC) has been operating for over 10 years, and we received a USAID Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) award in August 2024. Getting this award was a big Win for us, and we have been working hard to hire staff, move around the country, and get a randomized controlled trial (RCT) research project started. This pause order came right as we were getting ready to roll out to many new village outreach sites, and our research partners were preparing to start collecting data. It is not clear if our grant will be able to restart and when.

What we’re doing

We have had to quickly respond to the situation:

• We moved all affected staff to 50% work time and salary.
• We have halted activities that are funded by our USAID award.
• We are focusing on keeping existing outreach clinics going and keeping our capacity high.
• We may have to make difficult decisions on staffing and activities in the coming weeks depending on decisions that are made about USAID awards.

We have started a fundraising campaign to help us continue to provide healthcare service to the most marginalized communities in the months to come. If you would like to support us in this, you can visit https://healthaccessconnect.org/donate

We will continue to provide updates. No matter what happens, we will use whatever means we have to ensure that remote communities have access to healthcare. Thank you for your interest and support!