TANZANIA— The Scaling Up Family Planning program has significantly enhanced sexual and reproductive health services for over two million women and youth across Tanzania in the past five years.
This initiative, led by EngenderHealth, is designed to support the Tanzanian government’s efforts to improve health services in public hospitals from the primary level.
The program’s impact was highlighted during a recent Science Communication Engagement event in Dar es Salaam.
This event served as a precursor to the upcoming 11th Tanzania Health Summit (THS), scheduled for early October in Zanzibar.
Experts from various local and international organizations convened to discuss their contributions to Tanzanian communities.
Dr. Moke Magoma, Country Representative of EngenderHealth, emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive education to empower women and youth to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
“We focus on providing women and youth with the right information while considering Tanzania’s customs and traditions,” Dr. Magoma stated.
He noted that 16 percent of the program’s beneficiaries are youths aged 10 to 19, and one percent are individuals with disabilities.
In addition to raising awareness, the program has trained health service providers to enhance their capacity to deliver better services, particularly for youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We have trained them on how to screen for disabilities to ensure that services are tailored to the needs of each individual,” Dr. Magoma explained.
Initially set to conclude in August 2024, the program has been extended for an additional two years until 2026.
This extension reflects the ongoing need for improved reproductive health services in the country.
Simon Mbele, EngenderHealth’s advisor on gender, youth, and social inclusion, highlighted the challenges posed by cultural norms that hinder women and youth from making informed choices.
“Our program places gender and youth issues at the forefront, addressing cultural barriers that limit access to reproductive health information,” Mbele remarked.
He added that there is a significant connection between family planning usage and gender equality.
Ramadhani Mlange, EngenderHealth’s senior manager of clinical services, pointed out that the program also addresses healthcare-related environmental concerns.
“We have trained health staff on managing medical waste to prevent environmental pollution and ensure the proper procurement of medical devices and drugs,” Mlange stated.
The program advocates for an inclusive Health Management Information System (HMIS) to create a more equitable healthcare landscape in Tanzania.
Lilian Lukumai, EngenderHealth’s Programme Manager, stressed the necessity of addressing data gaps in service access.
“Inclusive services are essential for tackling inequalities in healthcare access,” she noted. “By supporting both routine and outreach services and advocating for tools that capture PWDs data in HMIS, we empower them to access vital sexual and reproductive health services.”
EngenderHealth’s Scaling Up Family Planning program demonstrates a commitment to improving reproductive health services in Tanzania.
By focusing on education, training, and inclusive practices, the initiative aims to empower women and youth, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
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