Endline Evaluation of the Reaching Adolescents with Integrated and Sustainable Programs for Enhanced Health Outcomes (RAISE) Project in Kasese District, Uganda

The RAISE Project, funded by Save the Children Italy, aimed to improve the well-being of adolescents and women in Kasese District, Uganda, by enhancing access to and quality of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) and Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) services. This endline evaluation assessed the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability across four sub-counties using a mixed-methods approach.

The project achieved significant progress in key areas. The adolescent pregnancy rate declined from 42.9% to 34.7%, while access to reproductive health services among adolescents rose sharply from 13% to 81.4%. Out-of-school adolescents reported a 96% awareness rate of SRH, with peer educators emerging as the most trusted and effective source of information. In schools, 99.2% established functional health clubs, and 98.7% of trained teachers were delivering age-appropriate health education. At the health system level, 89.8% of health workers were trained to provide ASRH/MNH services (up from 21%), and 87.5% of health facilities were offering comprehensive ASRH service packages.

In addition to health outcomes, the project also strengthened adolescents’ life skills and economic empowerment. The percentage of adolescents demonstrating improved knowledge in entrepreneurship and decision-making skills rose from 71.3% to 89.3%. Furthermore, 45% of out-of-school adolescents reported engaging in meaningful livelihood activities after participating in life skills sessions-up from 35% at baseline.

The project’s three-point access model-linking schools, health facilities, and communities-proved effective in delivering integrated, youth-friendly services. However, challenges such as limited referral systems, cultural barriers, and inconsistent supply chains remain.

The evaluation concludes that the RAISE Project significantly improved adolescent health and development outcomes and built a strong foundation for sustainable ASRH service delivery in Kasese. Continued investment in infrastructure, medical supplies, community engagement, and policy advocacy is recommended to scale and sustain these gains