The study, which involved 292 participants from eight districts of Rwanda, focused on individuals from different categories, including youth, sex workers, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community.
In each group, the research uncovered various issues. For instance, sex workers were found to have limited knowledge about reproductive health and lacked awareness of how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
It was revealed that at least 75% of sex workers do not have sufficient information. Among adolescent girls, 73% lacked adequate knowledge, while 70% of LGBTQ members were also uninformed. Additionally, 50% of people with disabilities lacked adequate information.
Tanga Community staff member, Josiane Uwizeyimana, stated that the idea for this research stemmed from the desire to understand the ongoing issues affecting access to information and services related to reproductive health.
"We looked at the high rate of teenage pregnancies and wondered, 'Why is the situation still the same despite the government's efforts to address this problem?' This motivated us to carry out the research," she explained.
Djamali Shema, from the Feminist Action Development Ambition (FADA), a non-governmental organization also involved in the research, noted that LGBTQ members face a lack of information, but even those who are informed feel ashamed to seek reproductive health services at health facilities, fearing they may be ostracized or marginalized.
"There are times when people mistreat LGBTQ members, trying to make them feel outcast due to their beliefs, which makes them isolate themselves and avoid seeking reproductive health services."
Shema suggested that one solution to this problem would be to "conduct awareness campaigns so that people understand that LGBTQ members are just like everyone else, and those who abuse them should face stronger consequences."
She also praised the Rwandan government for the efforts made to address their health needs, including setting up special services for them at health centers.
Chantal Uwizeyimana, representing people with disabilities, emphasized that one of the main challenges identified was how people with disabilities access various services.
"There are times when these services are available at health centers, but getting there is a challenge," she explained. She also highlighted the issue of patient confidentiality, particularly when a person with a disability is accompanied to the clinic.
She stressed that awareness campaigns are necessary, alongside infrastructure development to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities.
Hakizimana Sylvestre Samuel noted that youth, especially in rural areas, struggle with affordability, particularly when it comes to purchasing items like condoms. "It's difficult to find the resources, especially in rural areas," he said.
Uwizeyimana expressed hope that this research would spark more discussions on the remaining challenges in accessing information and services related to reproductive health.
She stated, "Reproductive health services are the foundation for building a better future for the country. We need to talk more about these issues to solve the problems that still exist."
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/research-highlights-gaps-in-reproductive-health-information
