A delegation of 9 European Young Decision Makers in leadership positions within various youth political parties and representing politically active young Europeans participated in a study tour to Uganda (1-8 August 2009). The aim of the trip was to study the unmet needs in reproductive health supplies and services in Uganda and the resulting impact on global human development.

During their stay, the delegation had the opportunity to get an insight into different aspects of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) situation in the country. They visited the Mulago hospital, various reproductive health clinics and AIDS projects in Kampala as well as in Mbarara. The participants also met and discussed SRHR issues with districts health officers, representatives of the Uganda AIDS Commission, Members of the Parliament, young politicians from Uganda, as well as with UN Agencies, European donors, NGOs operating in the country and finally the Minister of Health.

The group, which was composed of delegates from Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Ireland, Norway, Russia, Slovenia and and the United Kingdom, was very pleased to be given the opportunity to visit Uganda. However, the young decision makers are concerned about the situation of maternal health, access to family planning and reproductive health supplies, as well as the low level of health system funding in the country.

Whilst encouraging the government of Uganda and its development partners to step up their efforts in addressing reproductive health issues in the country, the delegation also acknowledges that the case of Uganda reflects the remaining important needs and challenges faced by the global community for the achievement of the reproductive health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There is a need for increased global focus in this area.

Upon their return, the delegation will take up the lessons learnt in the field to promote the global necessity of investing in reproductive health services and supplies as an essential precondition to reach the development objectives agreed on at international level. It is crucial to continue to advocate for increased cooperation and accountability in development and to strengthen civil society in developing countries for the eradication of global poverty.

The tour was organised by the Danish Family Planning Association, Sex & Samfund, and the European Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (EPF), within the framework of Countdown 2015 Europe, a European advocacy project aiming at raising awareness about the unmet needs in sexual and reproductive health services and supplies in developing countries. It enjoyed the active support of Reproductive Health Uganda, the Ugandan Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) acting as host and providing contacts with local organisations and institutions.