UNAU Advocates for Enhanced Awareness of SDG 3 as a Fundamental Human Right in Uganda

In a significant move, the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) recently held a forum on Human Rights and SDG 3 at Mt. Zion Hotel in Kampala, calling for heightened awareness of SDG 3 as a fundamental human right. The event brought together youth, civil society organizations, media, and government officials to discuss the importance of collaboration with policymakers in promoting awareness and accelerating the implementation of SDG 3.

Linda Asaba, UNAU's Programs Manager and Project Coordinator for the Accelerate SDGs initiative in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, highlighted the significance of understanding the purpose of policies and programs to garner public support. She emphasized that raising awareness about critical health issues like Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health, similar to how HIV/AIDS awareness was handled, would lead to increased public demand.

Asaba also emphasized the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among the youth. She noted that many young people are struggling with depression and anxiety but do not know where to turn. The stigma surrounding mental health institutions like Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital deters people from seeking help, even though it is well-equipped.

Moses Talibita, a lecturer at Nkumba University and official at the Uganda National Health Consumers' Organisation (UNHCO), echoed the urgency, stating that the high cost of healthcare, particularly for NCDs, was affecting household incomes. He emphasized that achieving SDG 3 benefits all stakeholders – individuals, taxpayers, investors, and the government.

Patience Butesi, a mental health official from the Ministry of Health, urged youth and civil society groups to be consistent and clear in their advocacy. She emphasized the need to humanize these issues so they are easily understood and resonate with everyone.

The forum aims to drive engagement and commitment among young people, the broader community, and policymakers to prioritize SDG 3 in both dialogue and action. The lack of a national health insurance system, according to Butesi, is deepening poverty and undermining government efforts. She urged for a universal healthcare system to provide a necessary social safety net.

Meanwhile, the forum also highlighted the need to address the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among the youth, to encourage them to seek help when needed. A universal healthcare system would provide a necessary social safety net for patients facing financial difficulties.

In conclusion, the UNAU forum underscored the need for increased awareness of SDG 3 as a human right in Uganda. By humanizing these issues and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health, SDG 3 is more likely to be widely embraced and achieved by 2030.