Diversity Health App

Diversity Innovations Initiative(DIV)

Diversity Health App

An innovation providing Deaf young people access to friendly Sexual Reproductive Health information and Services

Kampala, Uganda

Uganda

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Out of the 12.4% population of PWDs in Uganda, more than 1,083,649 are Deaf persons (UBOS 2014).However there is limited access to friendly Healthcare including Sexual Reproductive Health(SRH) information and services among Deaf Young people mainly due to; Lack of available information on SRH in accessible formats and Limited of Sign language(S/L) skills among Health and Gender based Violence (GBV) workers leading to communication barriers that hinder service delivery. Hence increased vulnerability risk to Sexually transmitted infections, teenage and unintended pregnancies, school dropouts, and generally poor health outcomes. WHO/ UNFPA Guidance Note on SRH of persons with disabilities (2009)

The Diversity Health App is a digital platform designed to provide Deaf young people, including refugees and host communities in Uganda accessible Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information with a unique focus in the provision of multiple Sign Languages (Ugandan, Congolese, Burundian, and South Sudanese). The mobile application not only makes it possible for Deaf persons to access accurate, youth-friendly health information but also connects them with healthcare providers trained in Sign Language as well as engage with counselors via WhatsApp video calls for mental health and SRH support. This innovation directly addresses the biggest health challenges faced by Deaf persons which is lack of SRH information in accessible formats and communication challenges with healthcare providers, which often result in poor health outcomes such as higher rates of STIs, unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV)

Deaf young people (refugees and Host communities) in Uganda are primary intended beneficiaries. Secondary beneficiaries will also be Health workers and police officers. The innovation will contribute towards availability of Deaf friendly Sexual Reproductive Health information and Services leading to increased awareness on Sexual Reproductive health, behavior change, reduced vulnerability risk to Sexual transmitted infections teenage pregnancies and incidences Gender based violence. The project will also build capacity of Health and Gender based Violence workers for deliver of deaf friendly Health Services leading to strengthened Health system