13 December 2024, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Embassy of Sweden in Tanzania celebrated the formalization of a groundbreaking partnership to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Tanzania. Sweden has pledged 30 million Swedish Kroner to the delivery of 9th UNFPA Country Programme (2022–2027), marking a significant step toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner the UNFPA representative in the United Republic of Tanzania highlighted Sweden’s long-standing commitment to SRHR globally.
“At the global level, Sweden has been one of UNFPA’s most dedicated partners at core in ensuring universal access to SRHR, gender equality, and the elimination of gender-based violence. This partnership builds on that legacy, and we are thrilled to translate it into transformative actions for Tanzania.”
Sweden’s support comes at a pivotal moment, addressing critical gaps in reproductive health indicators. According to the 2022 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey, unmet needs for family planning, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence remain pressing challenges. This new unearmarked funding will enable targeted interventions in nine regions of Tanzania, focusing on health system strengthening, SRHR service delivery, and empowering young people, including marginalized groups, to access vital services.
Sweden’s flexible support will scale up efforts towards health system strengthening, including creating an enabling environment for promoting SRHR; improving systems and structures for delivering quality, integrated, and respectful SRHR services. UNFPA’s Country Programme empowers women, adolescent girls, and young people, including first-time young mothers and persons with disabilities, to exercise their rights to access and utilize SRHR information and services while rejecting gender-based violence and harmful practices. The partnership will also enhance national data systems to generate evidence and analysis for informed planning, policymaking, and programming.
H.E. Charlotta Ozaki Macias Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania reiterated Sweden’s dedication to SRHR as a cornerstone of sustainable development, stating:
"We are not only signing a document today—we are making a collective promise to invest in the future of Tanzania. A future where sexual and reproductive rights are universally respected, where every woman and girl has the chance to thrive, and where no one is left behind."
As Tanzania approaches the global 2030 deadline for achieving the SDGs and works toward its Vision 2050 goals of becoming a more prosperous and sustainable society, this partnership will play a key role in accelerating progress toward these aspirations.
Representatives from youth-led organizations Youth Advisory Panel of UNFPA Tanzania shared their optimism about the new collaboration.
“This partnership isn’t just about funding; it’s about creating opportunities for us to lead change. With access to tools, resources, and knowledge, we can build innovative solutions to improve SRHR for all young Tanzanians,” said Getrude Clement, a youth advocate working with an SRHR Advisory Panel (YAP).
The ceremony concluded with a call to action, focusing on the 10-year-old girl whose untapped potential drives this mission.
“As we celebrate this partnership and look to the future, let us keep in mind the girl who stands on the threshold of adolescence, filled with potential and dreams.” said Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative.
“It is for her that we work to break barriers and open doors, ensuring every girl has the opportunity to dream and thrive. She is the hope, the promise, and the future we build together.”
Media Inquiries:
Dr. Warren Bright,
UNFPA Communications Analyst,
United Republic of Tanzania
Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45
Email: bwarren@unfpa.org
