By: Emmanuel Ojok

Parents and guardians in Arua City have been urged to regularly talk to their children about sexual and reproductive health to help them make informed and responsible decisions and avoid preventable health challenges in the future.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Olumini Cell, Driwala Ward in Arua City. The meeting was organised by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) as part of efforts to promote awareness of sexual and reproductive health among communities.

Centenary Driciru, the Senior Community Development Officer for Ayivu Division, said parents and guardians have an important role to play in guiding children, especially by making time to discuss issues affecting their health and well-being before they face reproductive health challenges.

Driciru encouraged parents to create an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance on sensitive issues rather than relying on potentially misleading information from peers or other sources.

Kevin Inzikuru from SIHA Network said inadequate sensitisation continues to affect girls, particularly those living in rural communities, where access to reliable sexual and reproductive health information and services can be limited.