LAUSR

Background Inorder to achieve universal health coverage for all, the government of Uganda committed to advancing family planning for all during the FP2020 London Summit in July 2017. Despite efforts by Ministry of health (MOH) and Implementing partners (IPs) to implement programs that are complementary to static services, some communities remain hard to reach. Emerging New groups of nomads, balaro (Agago, Gulu, Apach). These don’t return but settle in new scarcely populated areas, father children, acquire STI The Ike suffer from attacks from Kenya and Uganda, are isolated, not reached by SRHR services, have SRH needs. The Batwa, lived in forests but now displaced. Lost livelihood, Not integrating well with communities. Sexually exploited by communities due to myths. These groups remain hard to reach by due to factors like; stigma, geographical isolation, cultural beliefs, life style patterns and biological factors. There’s been minimal change in SRH indicators, despite growing focus by IP (Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda) Methods A qualitative design utilizing case study approach to qualitative inquiry was used Data collection was by; Document review Key informant interviews (KIIs) Focus group discussions (FGDs) Sampling for FGDs and KIIs was purposive with maximum variation Data collected was transcribed, analysed thematically and report generated Results The key SRHR needs include; sexually transmitted infections, sexual and gender-based violence, family planning, female genital mutilation, limited delivery at health facilities, low ANC attendance and a high held role of TBAs in these communities. The most significant barriers to SRHR services include; extreme poverty, poor cultural beliefs, low literacy levels, alcohol abuse, language barriers, distance between the clients and available heath services. Conclusion The SRHR needs are documented in the existing literature and not unique to hard to reach groups though of greter impacts among these groups. The most unique barrier to SRH services incude; language barrier, poverty and distance to existing health services Disclosure No significant relationships.