UNFPA Tanzania | UNFPA and Japan Partner to Strengthen Health Services for Vulnerable Communities in Kigoma

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 11 December 2024: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Tanzania, in partnership with the Government of Japan, officially handed over a vehicle and essential medical equipment to the Regional Administrative Body in Kigoma. This significant handover underscores their shared commitment to improving access to life-saving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services for communities in need across the region.

The initiative is part of the Japan Supplementary Budget Project, which allocated USD 359,964 to UNFPA for a year-long project titled “Delivering Life-Saving Sexual and Reproductive Health Interventions to Communities in Kigoma.”

RAS Kigoma

Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Hassan Rugwa, the Kigoma Regional Administrative expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating:

“This partnership is a significant step forward in addressing the critical health needs of our communities. The support from Japan and UNFPA will not only strengthen our health systems but also save lives by ensuring that women and young girls have access to the care they urgently need.”

The project aims to address critical gaps in reproductive health services in Kigoma, where limited access to quality care has resulted in significant health risks, including pregnancy complications. By delivering essential resources such as medical equipment, dignity kits, and reproductive health supplies, as well as strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers, the initiative seeks to build resilient health systems capable of effectively serving both local communities and displaced populations.

"The Government of Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting vulnerable communities," said H.E Hon. Yasushi Misawa, the Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania. "Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that women, adolescent girls, and first-time young mothers have access to essential health services, fostering hope and resilience among those most affected."

The project focuses on addressing critical gaps in reproductive health services by ensuring the sustained supply of reproductive health commodities and procuring essential medical equipment to enhance service delivery.

Empowering women and girls in Kigoma through Japan's financial support. This project is addressing critical gaps in reproductive health services, aiming to improve SRHR and enhance access to quality care. Photo: @UNFPATanzania / Dr. Warren Bright

It also emphasizes strengthening the capacity of frontline health workers to provide quality care, including maternal health services. Additionally, the initiative provides dignity kits containing menstrual health products to women and girls, ensuring their well-being and dignity are upheld. Through targeted efforts, the project delivers Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services and information, empowering young people with the knowledge and care they need.

To extend its reach, the project supports integrated mobile outreach services, bringing life-saving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services directly to underserved communities. These combined efforts aim to build resilient health systems and improve the overall well-being of women, adolescent girls, and young mothers in Kigoma.

MArk

Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative in Tanzania, highlighted the importance of the partnership:

"This initiative reflects our shared vision of ensuring no woman or girl is left behind. The generous support from the Government of Japan enables us to sustain and expand critical health services that save lives and empower communities."

The handover ceremony, attended by key stakeholders, provided an opportunity to express gratitude and celebrate the ongoing collaboration between Japan and UNFPA. This partnership represents a collective effort to address health challenges in Kigoma, ensuring the well-being and empowerment of the region’s most vulnerable populations.