Child Rights Advocates Urge Policy Reforms to Address Healthcare Inequality for Marginalised Children

Child rights advocates are pushing for urgent policy reforms to combat the healthcare discrimination faced by children in marginalised communities. Their call follows research from the Lancet Commission on Racism and Children’s Health, which exposes severe disparities in healthcare access for vulnerable children.

Hans Patrick Mulindwa, Co-Founder and Programs Manager at Climate Operation, highlighted the significant barriers these children face, including discrimination and limited treatment options. He stressed that many children, especially those from poor backgrounds, are unable to advocate for their healthcare needs, leaving critical decisions to their parents.

The Lancet Commission, a global initiative involving countries like Uganda, Brazil, the UK, and Australia, aims to shed light on how healthcare inequalities impact children. The research, scheduled for release in December, indicates that children in disadvantaged areas often struggle to access healthcare due to high costs and the long distances to facilities.

“Many children find healthcare services either too far or too expensive, forcing them to rely on substandard alternatives,” said Mulindwa. The findings are expected to inform policymakers about the need for reforms to ensure healthcare is more affordable and free from discrimination.

Mulindwa also emphasized the importance of addressing the intersection between healthcare and climate change, which is worsening the situation. “There is no future if we do not work together. Climate change is intensifying healthcare challenges, and we must tackle both issues simultaneously,” he noted.

The healthcare crisis is particularly severe in rural areas. Touch the Heart Uganda, a youth-led NGO, raised concerns about inadequate medical services in Chebando and Okatale zones. Alupo Manuella Peggy, Assistant Project Coordinator, pointed out that the nearest health facility is in Komamboga, which is far for most residents, resulting in delayed care and preventable health crises.

“Diseases like sickle cell often don’t show immediate symptoms, and many people don’t realize they need medical help until it’s too late,” Alupo explained, adding that the NGO faces significant resource constraints, including a lack of essential medical equipment during outreach programs.

Touch the Heart Uganda is calling for greater collaboration between the government, local leaders, and civil society to establish more health centers in underserved areas. Advocates hope that the upcoming Lancet Commission report will drive policymakers to prioritize healthcare reforms and ensure equal access to quality care for all children.