- The lecture is an opportunity for the newly-appointed professor to accentuate their exciting, groundbreaking research.
- It was leaned towards sexology and reproductive health.
- Prof. Osur is also the Vice Chancellor of AMIU.
- There is need to develop sustainable models to improve access to reproductive health information and services.
Senga health is homegrown sexual reproductive health. It starts with understanding people’s culture around their sexuality and reproduction through exploratory studies
Prof. Joachim Osur, VC, AMIU.
Amref International University (AMIU) was abuzz with anticipation and excitement as distinguished guests and faculty gathered online and in person for a momentous occasion.
The event, held on May 12, 2023, at Amref International University grounds, was attended by Vice Chancellors, professors, lecturers, researchers, students and other intellectuals from AMIU and other institutions.
The grand hall was adorned with a sense of celebration, illuminating the elegant atmosphere.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi is the Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, the umbrella body, founder and sponsor of AMREF International University.
“An inaugural lecture is a way of introducing the full professor to students, community, academic community, non-academic community, partners and the general community,” he said.
It presents an opportunity for the newly-appointed professor to accentuate exciting, groundbreaking research in teaching that he has done within the last several years.
According to the CEO, “This inaugural lecture serves to connect Prof. Osur’s academic endeavours to our duty of serving the community, achieving health change for Africa as an International NGO that lives and breaths its vision of ensuring communities in Africa are healthier, safer and prosperous.”
In context
The stage was set for the inaugural professional lecture. On this day, all eyes were on the remarkable scholar, Prof. Joachim Osur, who was to deliver the lecture.
“Promotion to full professorship follows a rigorous process in which an applicant’s research, teaching and service are thoroughly evaluated by peers who access the quality and impact of the contribution to the local, national and international levels,” said Prof. Tamarry Esho, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs.
She congratulated the professor on his promotion.
On November 26, 2022, he was promoted to the position of a full professor of sexual reproductive health.
Prof. Osur stood among his peers with impressive academic achievements and qualifications. His accolades are a testament to his profound expertise in his field.
With a Ph.D. in Sexual Reproductive Health, a professional postgraduate qualification in clinical sexology, and a master’s degree in Public Health, Prof. Osur has delved into the knowledge realm, seeking to improve the lives of communities and individuals.
Additionally, his Fellowship in Sexual Medicine, awarded by the European Multidisciplinary Committee of Sexual Medicine (MJCSM), attested to his remarkable expertise and contributions.
He has actively engaged in international bodies, addressing the US Senate Committee on foreign relations during the George W. Bush presidency and advocating for reproductive and sexual health rights in Africa.
Moreover, through his research, he has played a pivotal role in building the capacity of African parliamentarians on sexual and reproductive health through his network.
Professor Osur’s research publications are prolific, including four books, a clinical protocol, 28 peer-reviewed papers, and an impressive 540 opinion article features.
His work has garnered influence and recognition, with his articles cited 254 times, a testament to their impact on the scientific research community.
Amid the eager anticipation at the inaugural professorial lecture, Prof. Osur took the stage, ready to tackle a captivating intellectual journey.
The title of his lecture was Towards Understanding Senga Health: The scientific nexus of African sexualities and reproductive practices.
The intriguing topic ignited the audience’s imagination and curiosity.
The role of Senga
As he delved into the back story behind the fascinating topic, he shared a memorable encounter that had left an indelible mark on his professional journey.
During his time in Uganda, a friend had innocently asked him what he did. The friend had seen him in magazines and at parliamentary meetings.
After patiently explaining his expertise in sexual and reproductive health, his friend exclaimed, “Ssebo, you are just a learned Senga!”
The term “Senga” is a respectful Ugandan term for a wise and knowledgeable sister to the father and auntie to the father’s children.
Traditionally, she is responsible for providing sexual education and guidance on matters of sexuality and reproductive health to young girls and women approaching the age of marriage or immediately after marriage.
According to Prof. Osur, a “Senga” holds a special place within Ugandan society, often being the sister to one’s father or an auntie.
Other communities refer to them as “Senje”.
These individuals are not your average relatives but keepers of unique knowledge, the bearers of the sacred teachings of reproduction and sexuality.
He continues to explain, “The training goes on until the end, the lady is escorted to the new husband’s home, and the Senga goes with the lady.
They remain closely connected to their protégés even after marriage.
If a newlywed encounters difficulties on their honeymoon night, fear not!
The Senga swoops into the rescue, demonstrating the secrets of passion and intimacy, ensuring no stones are left unturned in sexual pleasure.
Furthermore, the senga is responsible for inspecting the bride’s virginity, leaving no doubt about their expertise in heart and body matters.
This unorthodox approach may seem shocking, but it serves a vital purpose in the Ugandan community.
It is a rite of passage deeply ingrained in the culture, where sengas play an institutionalized role.
Prof. Osur’s revelation of his status as a “learned senga” took on a new meaning.
It was not merely an acknowledgment of his expertise in sexual and reproductive health but a presentation of mastered experiences in the field.
Pioneers and perspectives
According to Prof. Osur, the field of scientific figures has been shaped by notable figures such as Alfred Kinsey, Virginia Johnson, and Dr. William Masters.
He has borrowed a lot of information from Alfred Kinsey.
Kinsey introduced the Kinsey Scale, used to diagnose sexual behavior and orientation.
The tool categorizes and measures different degrees of sexual orientation, ranging from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual.
However, the professor highlights the importance of recognizing and embracing the contributions of African knowledge and perspectives.
He highlights that individuals outside Africa have often led scientific studies in this field.
This potentially overlooks the contextual factors and unique cultural aspects that shape sexual behavior and attitudes within the African context and culture.
Unsafe practices
In his thought-provoking lecture, he fearlessly broached the sensitive topic of abortion, shedding light on its implications within certain communities.
With a somber tone and deep empathy, he highlights a story he dealt with.
“I talked to a girl and her story made me feel bad. She went to a herbalist to terminate a pregnancy at six months, and she was given herbs. After one day, she expelled a formed baby that moved the hands and legs. As advised, she left it on the ground, breathed for sometime, then went yonder, dug a hole, and buried the child; she did not consider it a child,” he shares.
He talks of the stigma around abortion.
“The higher the stigma, the more dangerous the practices,” he shares.
The lecture delved further into the profound stigma associated with abortion, unraveling the intricate web of beliefs, culture, and religion that shapes people’s views on this deeply personal matter.
Prof. Osur’s poignant words resonated in the lecture hall as he stressed a vital truth: the more stigma surrounding abortion, the more dangerous the practices become.
This powerful statement invited reflection and introspection, challenging the audience to confront the consequences of societal judgment and the urgent need for compassionate dialogue and support.
For those eager to delve deeper into this complex issue, Prof. Osur’s book, The Great Controversy, comprehensively explores his views on abortion, dissecting the multifaceted dynamics between the Constitution, the church, and the community.
Sexual gender-based violence
In his illuminating lecture, Prof. Osur fearlessly tackled sexual gender-based violence (SGBV).
With unwavering determination, he shed light on this pervasive problem’s alarming prevalence and underscored its dire consequences on individuals and communities.
Prof. Osur passionately argued that while some aspects of SGBV can be addressed through legislation, many deep-rooted issues necessitate comprehensive socio-cultural interventions for effective elimination.
Sexual medicine
Moving on to another crucial topic, Prof Osur delved into the realm of sexual medicine, unveiling some intriguing insights into common challenges faced by individuals aged 31 to 45.
Dysfunctionality, addiction, and pain emerged as the most prevalent issues, often stemming from underlying health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and lifestyle factors.
As the audience leaned in, hungry for knowledge, Prof. Osur recommended the enlightening book Chama Voices: African Women’s Perspective on Intimacy, Love, and Sex.
Within its pages, readers can discover captivating findings that offer a deeper understanding of these complex issues and their impact on individuals and relationships.
As the lecture drew close, he concluded, “Senga health is homegrown sexual reproductive health. It starts with understanding people’s culture around their sexuality and reproduction through exploratory studies.
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It can be improved by giving a scientific touch. There is need to develop sustainable models to improve access.”
