The contribution of non-government organizations in addressing teenage pregnancies in Uganda

Abstract

This study digs into the roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in combating teenage pregnancy, focusing on their interventions, challenges encountered during implementation, and remedies to better address the issue, as provided by respondents. Utilizing a diverse array of research methodologies such as Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, interview questionnaires, and observations at health facilities; engaging local leaders, technical staff, NGO personnel, healthcare workers, adolescents, parents, and teachers, results indicate that NGOs implement interventions including Advocacy and awareness campaigns, partnerships and collaboration, Sexual Reproductive health and rights service delivery, and economic empowerment programs, in accordance with the policy guidelines, strategies, and frameworks set forth by the Ugandan government. Throughout their programming, NGOs encounter numerous obstacles including resource limitations, lack of coordination among NGOs and government entities, cultural and social barriers, particularly negative norms and unfavorable social environments and practices. The findings put forth recommendations to enhance the addressing of adolescent pregnancies, such as enhancing the provision of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights services, investing in data processing and utilization for informed decision-making, and fostering community engagement and awareness. The study suggests strategies to tackle teenage pregnancy, including expanding interventions in communities requiring support through enhanced community engagement, innovative resource mobilization like leveraging local resources to mitigate resource constraints, and fostering increased collaboration and partnerships for enhanced service delivery. Additionally, the study indicates avenues for further research, including: i) conducting a thorough exploration of the various approaches and strategies employed by NGOs to address teenage pregnancy to identify most suitable ones from a community ownership perspective, ii) addressing challenges NGOs encounter in delivering teenage pregnancy prevention programs, and iii) examining impact of policies, guidelines, and frameworks on the delivery of prevention programs. This aids in uncovering how NGOs leverage policies, guidelines, and frameworks as tools to combat teenage pregnancy issues in Uganda.