Addressing Inequity and Discrimination in the Delivery of Health Services in Uganda

Abstract

Health reports in Uganda are often characterized by aggregated statistical data showing progress on particular indicators such as maternal mortality, infant mortality, life expectancy, HIV/AIDS prevalence and so on. However, what the statistics fail to reveal are the individuals and groups of people excluded from the system, who are denied life saving services because of who they are or where they live. In applying a human rights perspective, it is imperative for policy makers to persistently peer behind the veil of lump-sum statistics and to test the universality and equitability of healthcare access and services. This is the second issue of the Economic and Social Rights Advocacy (ESRA) Brief published by the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER). The ESRA Brief is dedicated to Economic and Social Rights (ESRs) advocacy in Uganda but draws on key lessons from the broader East African Community. The Brief is intended for policy makers, civil society actors, development partners and the donor community as it provides insight into the debates and steps currently being undertaken by Ugandan organizations individually and collaboratively to achieve the full realization of ESRs.