Strengthening Gender-Responsive Health Promotion Communication Strategy for Community-Based Universal Health Systems to Accelerate SDG 3 in Uganda – Africa
1
School of Education, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Community-based universal health systems are critical for achieving SDG 3ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being in Uganda and across Africa. Common health issues include maternal mortality (310 per 100,000 live births), malaria (17% prevalence among children under five), and communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS (5.9% prevalence). Persistent challenges include inadequate health workforce (2.3 physicians per 10,000 population), inequitable service access, and weak community engagement. Gender-responsive health promotion strategies, guided by Public-Private-Civic Partnerships (PPCPs) and digital readiness (48% internet penetration, 65% mobile access), are essential to address these gaps. This study examines how gender-responsive health promotion communication strategies can strengthen community-based universal health systems in Uganda. Key question: How can gender-focused communication enhance equitable access and health outcomes in Uganda’s universal health system? Coverage remains limited at 56% for primary health services; disparities exist between urban (72%) and rural populations (43%).
OBJECTIVES:
(1) Assess PPCP and digital platform contributions to gender-responsive health promotion. (2) Identify service gaps, lessons, and best practices for universal health coverage. (3) Strengthen policy implementation through evidence-based advocacy and north-south-south partnerships.
METHODS:
Systematic literature review (SLR), policy and document analysis, and Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) assessment were conducted. Communication Theory of Change guided evaluation of pathways from advocacy to policy uptake and behavioral change. Key indicators included service coverage, PPCP engagement, and digital campaign reach.
RESULTS:
Gender-responsive campaigns increased maternal health service uptake by 34%. PPCPs engaged 61% of districts in community outreach programs. Digital campaigns enhanced health information access for 49% of women in rural areas. Challenges: limited funding (42% of districts), human resource gaps (27%), and low GEM scores in rural districts.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-responsive communication strategies, supported by PPCPs, digital platforms, and north-south-south collaborations, improve universal health system outcomes. Scaling digital health literacy programs, integrating gender perspectives in health policy, and strengthening community-based PPCPs.
Community-based universal health systems are critical for achieving SDG 3ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being in Uganda and across Africa. Common health issues include maternal mortality (310 per 100,000 live births), malaria (17% prevalence among children under five), and communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS (5.9% prevalence). Persistent challenges include inadequate health workforce (2.3 physicians per 10,000 population), inequitable service access, and weak community engagement. Gender-responsive health promotion strategies, guided by Public-Private-Civic Partnerships (PPCPs) and digital readiness (48% internet penetration, 65% mobile access), are essential to address these gaps. This study examines how gender-responsive health promotion communication strategies can strengthen community-based universal health systems in Uganda. Key question: How can gender-focused communication enhance equitable access and health outcomes in Uganda’s universal health system? Coverage remains limited at 56% for primary health services; disparities exist between urban (72%) and rural populations (43%).
OBJECTIVES:
(1) Assess PPCP and digital platform contributions to gender-responsive health promotion. (2) Identify service gaps, lessons, and best practices for universal health coverage. (3) Strengthen policy implementation through evidence-based advocacy and north-south-south partnerships.
METHODS:
Systematic literature review (SLR), policy and document analysis, and Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) assessment were conducted. Communication Theory of Change guided evaluation of pathways from advocacy to policy uptake and behavioral change. Key indicators included service coverage, PPCP engagement, and digital campaign reach.
RESULTS:
Gender-responsive campaigns increased maternal health service uptake by 34%. PPCPs engaged 61% of districts in community outreach programs. Digital campaigns enhanced health information access for 49% of women in rural areas. Challenges: limited funding (42% of districts), human resource gaps (27%), and low GEM scores in rural districts.
CONCLUSIONS:
Gender-responsive communication strategies, supported by PPCPs, digital platforms, and north-south-south collaborations, improve universal health system outcomes. Scaling digital health literacy programs, integrating gender perspectives in health policy, and strengthening community-based PPCPs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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