Gulu Health Bridge: Empowering SCCY for a Healthier and Brighter Future

The Gulu Health Bridge: Empowering SCCY for a Healthier and Brighter Future project is a three-year initiative (2025 – 2027) implemented by Hashtag Gulu Initiative, with support from Fédération vaudoise de coopération and Eirene Suisse. The project aims to improve access to physical and mental healthcare for street-connected children and youth (SCCYs) in Gulu, Uganda, addressing the barriers to medical care, stigma, and the high prevalence of substance abuse and mental health issues among this vulnerable group.

Through an integrated approach, the project seeks to:

• Provide free and accessible healthcare services for SCCYs through a dedicated clinic and mobile health outreach.
• Offer mental health support, substance abuse therapy, and psychosocial counseling tailored to the unique needs of SCCYs.
• Promote hygiene and reproductive health education, equipping SCCYs with essential knowledge for self-care.
• Strengthen advocacy and community engagement, reducing stigma and fostering support for SCCY reintegration.
• Enhance institutional capacity, improving service delivery through training, partnerships, and policy influence.

This initiative builds on the success of previous interventions, expanding services and outreach efforts to reach a broader population of SCCYs. By creating a supportive and inclusive healthcare system, the project bridges the gap between vulnerable youth and essential medical services, ensuring they receive the care they need to transition toward healthier, more stable lives.