A shortage of doctors for a population of over 46 million people creates a dismal doctor-patient ratio for healthcare in Uganda.

The region currently has a ratio of one doctor per 25,000 people, which is a significantly lower number than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1000 people. The lack of capacity and access to healthcare services is a dire issue that needs to be addressed to relieve the system's burden.

The lack of proper equipment and governmental funding leads to an overwhelming number of patients, overburdening Uganda’s healthcare professionals.

Doctors and trainees work under extreme pressure, committing long hours for understaffed facilities. In some cases, students who work as interns have to step in as doctors, providing medical care in place of licensed professionals without receiving pay. This can lead to critical misdiagnoses as patients are not receiving care from a certified professional.

The lack of funding and opportunities for the nation’s aspiring doctors makes them seek better opportunities abroad.

To find solutions for health care problems in Uganda, many rely on local aspiring doctors. However, medical professionals are met with inadequate pay resulting in the low quality of care within the nation’s healthcare system. In search of better options and means to support themselves and their families financially, many medical graduates leave the country. This only further worsens the shortage of doctors in the region.

Period Power

One of the most significant challenges facing most African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, is period poverty. Many women and girls struggle to access hygiene products due to financial constraints and a lack of menstrual hygiene education. A pad is not just a hygiene product to these girls, but a ticket to opportunity and a brighter future as it helps them stave off disease and keep them in school for a proper education. Girl Power USA strives to find a sustainable solution to this issue

Numerous women and girls across Africa face a cycle of health risks as an effect of period poverty.

According to UN Women Africa, period poverty statistics in April 2020 stated that 66% of girls said they could not afford to buy menstrual products. This increases marginalization between groups and genders, perpetuating early marriage, and teenage pregnancies.

How We Are Changing Lives

Conducting awareness campaigns across schools in Uganda and Kenya and donating sanitary pads for girls and women.

Investing in training for girls and women in the community to make reusable pads, a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to period poverty.

Engaging local volunteers to raise awareness and train others to create reusable pads, empowering them with practical skills and self-reliance.

Leverage the expertise of medical professionals to educate girls and boys about sexual health in person or online.

Hurdles In The Way

A shortage of doctors for a population of over 46 million people creates a dismal doctor-patient ratio for healthcare in Uganda.
The region currently has a ratio of one doctor per 25,000 people, which is a significantly lower number than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1000 people. The lack of capacity and access to healthcare services is a dire issue that needs to be addressed to relieve the system’s burden.
The lack of proper equipment and governmental funding leads to an overwhelming number of patients, overburdening Uganda’s healthcare professionals.
Doctors and trainees work under extreme pressure, committing long hours for understaffed facilities. In some cases, students who work as interns have to step in as doctors, providing medical care in place of licensed professionals without receiving pay. This can lead to critical misdiagnoses as patients are not receiving care from a certified professional.
The lack of funding and opportunities for the nation’s aspiring doctors makes them seek better opportunities abroad.
To find solutions for health care problems in Uganda, many rely on local aspiring doctors. However, medical professionals are met with inadequate pay resulting in the low quality of care within the nation’s healthcare system. In search of better options and means to support themselves and their families financially, many medical graduates leave the country. This only further worsens the shortage of doctors in the region.

What We Have Achieved So Far

Girl Power USA has made significant strides in improving access to affordable and reusable sanitary products for women and girls in marginalized communities. We distributed 320 sanitary pads during educational events focused on menstrual hygiene and partnered with Country Child Network to provide 65 additional pads.

Our mission is to reduce period poverty by enhancing access to sanitary products and empowering women through skill development in sanitary kit production. This initiative not only fosters personal and economic empowerment but also creates income-generating opportunities for local women to produce and sell sanitary pads within their communities.

Our Associate Director, along with two partners, participated in a workshop on making reusable pads, marking the first step in establishing a sustainable program in Kenya and Uganda. Beyond supplying essential products, Girl Power USA conducts sessions on sexual and reproductive health, viewing this as a vital step in unlearning social stigmas and dismantling negative perceptions surrounding menstruation.

Our Areas
of Impact

320 pads

distributed to girls during education events on menstruation, increasing the awareness of menstrual hygiene and directly addressing the need for sanitary products.