Government officials and health experts from East Africa are calling for increased investment in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services across the region. The push comes as member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) struggle with high maternal deaths, rising HIV infections, and limited access to family planning, especially among women and young people.

Delegates from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda gathered in Entebbe this week for a three-day workshop to finalize a regional Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategic Plan. Organized by the IGAD Secretariat under the Africa Demographic Dividend and Sexual and Reproductive Health (A2DSRH) Programme, the meeting aimed to find solutions to the growing SRH crisis in the region.

Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD’s Head of Mission in Uganda, emphasized that improving reproductive health is not just a medical issue but a matter of human rights and economic growth. “When we talk about sexual and reproductive health, we often focus on the youth, who make up a large part of Uganda’s population,” she said. “But women of all ages—young girls, mothers, and older women—face reproductive health challenges. A strong SRH program is crucial for their well-being.”

Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, pointed out the urgent problems straining healthcare systems in IGAD countries. These include high rates of teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and HIV infections. He stressed that better SRH policies could help boost economic development.

“Investing in reproductive health has huge benefits,” Dr. Olaro explained. “When girls stay in school longer, they delay early pregnancies. When women have access to family planning, they can space their children and take better care of their families. These changes lead to stronger economies.”

Abdullahi Ibrahim from Djibouti shared the challenges his country faces due to cultural and religious beliefs that limit open discussions about sex and contraception. “In Djibouti, comprehensive sex education is rare,” he said. “Many people see teenage sexuality and family planning as taboo. Because of this, young girls often lack accurate information, and contraceptive use remains low.”

To make progress, he said, governments must work closely with communities to change attitudes and increase acceptance of SRH programs.

Dr. Hagos Debeb from the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) urged IGAD countries to adopt a clear, actionable plan to tackle reproductive health challenges. “A strong SRH strategy is key to reducing maternal deaths, expanding youth-friendly health services, and promoting gender equality,” he said. “It also helps build health systems that can handle crises, whether from disease outbreaks or economic shocks.”

Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ware, Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD, linked reproductive health to women’s empowerment. “When women are educated and economically independent, they have more control over their health and futures,” he said. “If we empower women, many of these health challenges will improve on their own.”

Dr. Ahmed Hassan, Coordinator of the A2DSRH Programme, expressed optimism that IGAD countries can work together to improve reproductive health services. He highlighted the importance of continued regional cooperation to strengthen policies and coordination.

The three-day workshop, which ended on July 16, aimed to create a unified strategy to improve SRH services across IGAD nations. With better funding and stronger policies, experts believe the region can reduce preventable deaths, empower women and youth, and build a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: investing in sexual and reproductive health is not just a health necessity, it’s a smart economic decision that can transform lives across East Africa.