Context
The sexual and reproductive health of women in Tanzania has significantly improved. Maternal mortality fell by nearly 40 per cent and the use of modern family-planning methods almost doubled between 2000 and 2016.
Nonetheless, more progress is needed for women to achieve equality in terms of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. Births remain dangerous for mothers and babies alike. Many young women struggle to unlock their full education and career potential due to early pregnancies.
A main reasons for this gender-based discrimination is the inadequate quality of reproductive health services, especially when it comes to addressing the needs of young people.
Objective
Reproductive health services in the Tanga region are upgraded and the health of mothers and newborn babies is improved.
Approach
The project works with partners in government and civil society on four thematic areas to reach its objective:
Obstetric and neonatal care: The project develops a system of comprehensive care for obstetric emergencies and sick or premature babies. This is done by providing training to health workers in health centres and hospitals and making essential medical equipment available.
Reproductive health and family planning: The project trains specialists and equips health facilities to provide youth-friendly health services. It works with local NGOs to provide comprehensive education to young people in secondary schools.
Planning health services: The project promotes digitalisation and trains community representatives of all genders and age groups to engage in planning and budgeting.
Universal health insurance: The project advises on expenditure management, trains staff of health insurers and regulators, and supports enrolment of members in the large informal sector.