COVID-19 and adolescent-youth reproductive health in acholi sub-region in Uganda

Abstract

COVID-19 and adolescent-youth reproductive health in acholi sub-region in Uganda Agatha Alidri1, Simon Okello2*, Emily Kayeny Uramba3, Filda Anicia4, Winnie Apio5, Patrick Ochen6, Richard Musaasizi7, Samson Tumany8 and Susan Awor12, discuss the silent impact of the pandemic, specifically COVID-19, on adolescent and youth reproductive health in the Acholi sub-region of Uganda. The COVID-19 lockdowns (2020-2022) severely disrupted global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, disproportionately affecting vulnerable adolescents and youth (WHO, 2020). In Uganda, the closure of over 73,000 schools displaced millions of learners, exacerbating risks to education, protection, and SRH (Tumwesigye, 2020; Namulondo et al., 2024; UNFPA, 2020). These disruptions, combined with economic strain and increased household tensions, heightened exposure to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence (GBV) (Henttonen et al., 2008; Otieno et al., 2021).