By Sabir Musa

Arua city

Youth in west Nile sub-region have appealed to government for more support to health sector that is grappling with several challenges across the sub-region.
 
Some of the areas of raised by the youths are understaffing of health centers, lack of medical equipment and regular drug stock-out at some facilities across the region.

While moving a motion on this matter during the Sub-National Youth Parliament for West Nile held in Arua City, Francis Onooba, a youth from Nebbi Municipality highlighted some of the reasons why an urgent attention is required. “Dilapidation symbolizes most public schools and government health centers, drugs are scarce or never available, doctors and medical officers are insufficient and in some health facilities, many Ugandans have to first bribe to get help of a doctor, most health facilities are stretched beyond capacity because population influx surpasses their original plan” the motion read in part.
 
It also revealed that most health facilities serve population beyond their capacities especially in West Nile districts hosting refugees.
 
In his interpreted communication from sign language, Arua Central Division Councilor representing Persons With Disability, Twalib Ayub pointed out challenges faced by accessing health services as most of the facilities lack sign language interpreters. “It is something that is so challenging. We tried training about 20 health workers who help us so much” Twalib wonders.
 
However, Speaker of the session, Judith Bako commended youths for voicing the concerns which she says will be presented in Parliament of Uganda. “We will do our best to represent the views that came out from you (youths) and I would like to thank all the partners for making this program successful” Bako guaranteed.

 
Bako Judith taking oath after election in the West Nile Sub-National Youth Parliament in Arua City
 
The Sub-National Youth Parliament is an annual program organized across the country by Faraja Africa Foundation and partners with West Nile Youth Empowerment Centre in West Nile to gather views of the youth on different sectors that are later submitted to the national parliament.

COVER PHOTO: Some delegates during the parliament session held in Arua City By Sabir Musa