COVID-19: Make Family Planning an Essential Service

BY Deborah Nakatudde

Not that long ago in Kampala, a mother of seven children talked with her health provider about family planning. She had tried different methods but they had left her with side effects. So, her doctor recommended an injected hormonal birth control. She agreed with her doctor and she was successfully provided with a shot that would prevent unwanted pregnancies for the next three months. 

Soon, she will have to go back to get another shot, but there is a problem. Going and returning will not be easy because public and private transport in Uganda was suspended last week with the confirmation of 33 COVID-19 cases in the country.