VOICES for Health and Development recently joined the Coalition to Stop Maternal Mortality Due to Unsafe Abortion (CSMMUA) and over 50 other CSOs in advocating against the harmful Global Gag Rule (GGR) and promoting universal health rights. This contribution was made during a crucial meeting at Hotel Africana, where civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered to discuss Uganda’s health system and the challenges posed by the GGR.

The meeting brought together groups focused on HIV, disability rights, abortion, and sexual and reproductive health, providing VOICES with an opportunity to engage with organizations working to ensure marginalized communities, especially those in need of sexual and reproductive health services, receive the care they deserve.

Tikila Ademun, VOICES’ Programs Manager, expressed her enthusiasm about contributing to CSMMUA’s efforts. “This is an important moment for us,” said Ademun. “By participating in this CSMMUA-led initiative, we can strengthen our advocacy to support vulnerable communities and challenge harmful policies like the Global Gag Rule.”

Discussions at the meeting centered on the negative impact of the GGR, especially how it restricts access to life-saving services such as HIV treatment and abortion care in Uganda. Panelists highlighted the broader consequences for the country’s most vulnerable populations and the need for collective action to safeguard health rights.

As part of its contribution, VOICES joined CSMMUA’s advocacy plans, including participating in the upcoming march to Parliament on February 5, 2025. The coalition aims to urge the government to prioritize health rights and ensure continued support for vulnerable groups, particularly in the context of the Global Gag Rule.

VOICES remains committed to advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights and will continue working alongside partners in future efforts to challenge harmful policies and promote universal health access.

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