JUNE HAS BECOME A SYMBOL FOR PRIDE, AS THE WORLD CELEBRATES THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY.
IN UGANDA, THE LGBTQ+ POPULATION FACES EXTREME OPPRESSION, ABUSE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR EMBRACING THEIR IDENTITY. SEEKING HEALTHCARE COMES AT A RISK, AS THEY OFTEN EXPERIENCE DISCRIMINATION OR OUTRIGHT DENIAL.
Since 2009, the country has created extreme legislation against homosexuality, targeting their health and access to care. A bill even provided for life imprisonment for homosexuals, and the death penalty for those with HIV. Despite a certain progress in mentalities in recent years, in 2010, 37% of homosexuals in Kampala declared that they had suffered physical violence. 26% even admitted to having been raped. It is in this context that Doctors of the World has decided to act in order to fight against health discrimination linked to homophobia, and to provide care and reduce risks. Our programs look to address Sexual and Reproductive Health, Universal Health Coverage, and Training of Healthcare Workers.
In Kampala, DoTW decided to join forces with the Most At-Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI), an NGO which works at the hospital in Mulago providing sexual and reproductive health services to key groups (including gay and transgender people and sex workers). These services are tailored to their needs and the restrictions they face, and cover awareness-raising about STIs, contraception and gender-based violence.
Through the provision of training DoTW is also supporting MARPI as it expands its activities to regional referral hospitals, including the one in Mbarara in the south-west of the country. In addition to improving the services provided by the clinic, we are also training LGBTQ+ organizations in project design and fundraising. The partnership between MdM and local facilities is one of the milestones of this humanitarian mission in Uganda.
Furthermore, the Foundation of Friends of DoTW, chose to support community-based LGBT organizations, in addressing the repression and violence that is directed towards these communities. This partnership enables LGBTQ+ leaders to undertake a training program of humanitarian leadership and participates in the capacity building of community-based organizations that fight in favor of the rights and access to healthcare of the LGBTQ+ populations. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ voices is essential to ensure that health disparities are recognized and addressed.
ONE WAY TO SUPPORT THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY:
Through our years of experience, Doctors of the World recognizes the importance of advocating and taking action for marginalized groups. Health disparities are staggering as a result of harmful policy, discrimination, exclusion and violence that is directed towards LGBTQ+ population.
The global health community has a responsibility to contribute by collecting and disseminating data, by working alongside civil society and grass-root LGBTQ+ organizations, and by advocating for policies that unconditionally respect human rights. For Pride Month, it is important that we celebrate the achievements that have been made and continue our work to address the gaps that still exist today.
Sources
Agenda 2030 for LGBTQ+ Health and Wellbeing
Photograph
© Sebastien Duijndam