Rocket Health on Wednesday demonstrated how sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) can be accessed by beneficiaries of the ‘In Their Hands’ programme (ITH), using its expertise in digital technologies and last-mile delivery models.
ITH, implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation in partnership with Triggerise Limited, offers comprehensive SRH services to adolescent girls (15-19 years) in Kampala and Arua, through immersive engagement with girls and their communities as well as through a user-centric digital platform, TIKO.
Addressing girls at the Somero Uganda communal gathering space in Bwaise, Natasha Umuhoza, a projects officer at Rocket Health emphasised the benefits of such collaborations.
”Such partnerships enable us take services to those who need them most, and Rocket Health is always open to such collaborations,” she said.
Rocket Health also distributed printed IEC promotional materials to community mobilisers to redistribute to other community groups.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, many girls were unable to walk to the clinics and physically take up essential SRH services due to the strict lockdown that prohibited movement.
ITH partnered with Rocket Health to introduce the Direct-to-Consumer Strategy (D2C) to take SRH services closer to the target beneficiaries.
Under this partnership, Rocket Health offers oral contraceptives, emergency contraception, HIV counseling and testing, and HIV self-testing services. ITH covers all service costs on behalf of the target audience.
”Now you can access services from home or any safe space in your communities. It is convenient and ensures privacy,” Nicholas Niwagaba, the country manager of Triggerise said.
Access to SRH services
Service access via Rocket Health ensures convenience, privacy, quality of SRH services, and follow-up for desired outcomes.
The programme leverages the TIKO platform, accessed via the tiko app, or through SMS, and can also utilize social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, by sending product codes.
Once a service request is made, Rocket Health contact persons receive an SMS notification that links to the Tiko App.
Once the order is validated, a code is received and a client is called to confirm the location and product.
The order is then processed, and a field agent is dispatched to deliver. Upon successful delivery, the client enters a code for validation.
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- Rocket Health SRH Training
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- Rocket Health SRH Training
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- Rocket Health SRH Training
Story written by Daniel Mumbere.
