A coalition of religious leaders has called for an urgent presentation of a National Health Insurance scheme to address challenges worrying women in the country.
Addressing a press conference at Faith for Family Health Initiative offices in Lweza Tuesday ( March 07), religious leaders are worried that many women are still struggling with the high cost of health care, which costs them at least 41% of their incomes.
Rt. Rev Constantine Mbonabingi, a board member of Faith for Family Health Initiative said that amidst the high level of poverty due to low domestic financing and the under-financed health sector, the National insurance scheme remains the most equitable option for pooling resources for health care and ensuring financial protection and quality health care for all.
Sheikh Ali Waiswa, the Vice Chairperson of the Faith for Family Health Initiative asked the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders to highlight all issues that needed consensus with religious leaders regarding adolescent health to expedite the finalizations and approval of the Adolescent Health and Sexual Reproductive Health policies to guide interventions on reducing the high rates of teenage pregnancy.
The Executive chairperson Board and Management Faith for Family Health Initiative, Jackie Katana, said that if both the Adolescent Health and Sexual Reproductive Health policies are passed, there will be domestic financing for information and legal aspects for them because right now, these areas are being financed by donors.
Rt. Rev Amos Magezi, the Bishop of Northwest Ankole diocese appealed to the youth to behaviour in order to reduce the high prevalence rate of HIV, especially among them.
The religious leaders, drawn from Christianity and Islam, are hopeful that if passed, the National Health Insurance scheme, will help to reduce health needs and accessibility of health services for women in the country.
Source: New Vision