A New Chapter for Health and Gender Equality: Iceland Embassy’s USD 700,000 Investment in Kalangala, Uganda

Kalangala, Uganda — March 2025 — Amref Health Africa is excited to announce a game-changing partnership with the Embassy of Iceland, which has committed USD 700,000 to scale up the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action programme in Kalangala District. This landmark investment will significantly enhance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, bringing hope and transformation to one of Uganda’s most underserved regions.

This investment is not just financial—it is a pledge to transform lives, promote dignity, and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women, girls, and persons with disabilities. The focus of this funding includes:

• Construction of a new Skilling Center, empowering survivors of SGBV with vocational skills to promote long-term resilience and independence.
• A 24/7 helpline, equipped with a standby generator, offering timely, confidential support for survivors and those in distress.
• Inclusive Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), tailored to reach adolescents with disabilities and break the stigma surrounding SRHR.
• Expanded water and sanitation facilities, with improvements in schools and health facilities, addressing critical hygiene gaps, particularly for adolescent girls.

Kalangala, a geographically isolated district, has long struggled with limited access to quality health services. The Embassy of Iceland’s commitment to the Heroes programme acknowledges the unique challenges in Kalangala and builds on the proven success of the programme in other regions. The goal is clear: to bridge the health equity gap and ensure no one is left behind.

In partnership with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), Amref Health Africa is committed to sustaining the impact of this investment, ensuring long-term success through integrated health systems that uphold the principles of Acceptability, Availability, Accessibility, and Quality (AAAQ).

“This new investment is not just about funding projects; it’s about unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and creating pathways for a healthier future for Kalangala,” said Dr Patrick Kagurusi, Country Director of Amref Health Africa in Uganda.

This partnership is a celebration of global solidarity for health and gender equality, reinforcing the importance of working together to create lasting change for vulnerable communities.

Children in Mulabana Sub-County, Kalangala District, fetching water from the lake. This water is unsafe for domestic use and exposes the children to serious risks, including attacks from hippos and crocodiles.

Additional Highlights:

Global Partnership in Action: Netherlands, Iceland, and Uganda Strengthen Ties through Heroes Programme

Kalangala District recently hosted a high-level delegation including H.E. Frederieke Quispel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, and Ms Hildigunnur Engilbertsdóttir, Head of Mission at the Embassy of Iceland. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening the global partnerships that are promoting inclusive health systemsand gender equality.

The delegation’s visit showcased the launch of a mini-piped water system designed to serve schools, health facilities, and surrounding communities, addressing long-standing WASH gaps in Kalangala.

“This is more than a project; it’s a shared commitment to justice and dignity for all,” said H.E. Frederieke Quispel. Ms Engilbertsdóttir added, “Investing in the well-being of women and girls creates stronger communities and a better future for everyone.”

The delegation also unveiled a health message board to provide vital information on HPV prevention, menstrual hygiene, and debunking menstruation myths—empowering both girls and boys through essential knowledge.

Dr Patrick Kagurusi emphasised the broader vision: “This partnership reflects what we can achieve when nations unite with civil society for community-led solutions. We are proud to be part of a movement transforming lives through health equity.”

Kalangala District leadership expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing collaboration, recognising the lasting impact of such initiatives in remote island communities.