Netherlands commits $16m to youth health in Uganda

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has committed more than $16 million to the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment (SAY Plus+) programme, joining Denmark, Sweden and Iceland in a multi-donor initiative aimed at improving the health, rights and well-being of young people in Uganda.

The funding agreement was signed on Thursday between the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), expanding support for one of the country’s flagship programmes on adolescent and youth empowerment.

The additional funding will strengthen a pooled financing mechanism supporting Uganda’s efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), prevent gender-based violence (GBV), and expand opportunities for adolescents and young people through 2030.

The SAY Plus+ programme targets young people aged between 10 and 24 years, with particular emphasis on adolescent girls, young women, out-of-school youth and refugees.

It aims to increase access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services, prevent gender-based violence, and equip young people with the knowledge and life skills needed to make informed decisions about their health and future.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNFPA representative in Uganda Kristine Blokhus welcomed the Netherlands’ decision to join the partnership, describing it as a significant investment in Uganda’s future.

“This funding supports Uganda’s youth, who make up 73 per cent of the population under the age of 30. The initiative aims to unlock the country’s economic potential by investing in youth sexual and reproductive health and rights, preventing school dropouts due to pregnancy or violence, and ensuring they are healthy and empowered to lead,” Blokhus said.

Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, said the partnership reflects his country’s longstanding commitment to advancing adolescent sexual and reproductive health.

“The Netherlands consistently ranks among the countries with the lowest teenage pregnancy and birth rates globally. The remarkably low rate of adolescent pregnancies in the Netherlands is attributed to comprehensive, non-judgmental sexuality education, and free, universal access to modern contraceptives,” Smeding said.

“We are pleased to support the SAY Plus+ programme, which focuses on these issues, and look forward to the four-year journey and the lasting change we can bring together.”

According to UNFPA, the programme will strengthen youth-friendly health services, including HIV prevention and responses to gender-based violence, while working with communities, parents, cultural leaders and local institutions to address harmful social norms, reduce teenage pregnancies and prevent child marriage.

The initiative also seeks to improve coordination among development partners through a pooled funding mechanism managed and technically led by UNFPA Uganda.

SAY Plus+ builds on the achievements of its first phase and is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan IV, the Universal Health Coverage Compact and district development priorities.

The programme is being implemented through government institutions, civil society organisations and community structures.

UNFPA said the Netherlands’ contribution will enable the programme to reach more adolescents and young people, particularly those living in humanitarian settings and other underserved communities, while advancing Uganda’s broader development and youth empowerment agenda.

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