Tanzania

‘Increasing number of men also going to clinic’

Simavi is currently active in 5 rural areas in Tanzania: Tabora, Iramba, Arusha, Iringa and Dodoma. In the field of safe drinking water Simavi supports local communities by, amongst others, setting up and registering independently operating water committees.

These committees are responsible for the management and maintenance of simple and affordable water facilities. Simavi encourages local government authorities and the private sector to offer financial and technical support.

SRHR

In the field of SRHR, Simavi makes men, women and adolescents aware of how sexually transmitted diseases can be prevented and how the spreading of HIV/AIDS and unsafe pregnancies can be prevented. In the field of healthcare, HAPA (Health Action Promotion Association), supported by Simavi, was successful in the Iramba district.

An increasing number of men accompany their pregnant wives to a clinic for a check-up. This can still not be taken for granted, as men are scared they will be forced to undergo a HIV/AIDS test at the clinic.

Success

The project was so successful in referring pregnant women to health clinics that there was almost a shortage of clean childbirth materials. The project did, however, show that it remains difficult to break the HIV/AIDS stigma resulting in people not willing to openly admit they have the disease and many babies still being born with the virus.

Model toilets

HAPA also established the Hygiene and Sanitation Demonstration Centre, which has an important regional role in encouraging surrounding villages to build their own toilets. Surrounding areas and even Tanzania’s neighbouring countries have shown much interest in the model toilet for the disabled.

HAPA reached 4,231 people in 2010 with information on HIV/AIDS and reproductive health. Access to safe drinking water and information on clean toilets and hygiene was provided to 1,540 people.