The USAID Tulonge Afya project, which means “let’s talk about health” in Kiswahili, promotes positive health practices in households and communities in Tanzania and targets women and youth (ages 15 to 24).

While HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and sexual and reproductive health-related mortalities have been declining in recent years, these concerns continue to remain disproportionately high for Tanzanian women and youth. The five-year, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project creates opportunities for Tanzanians to improve their health status by transforming sociocultural norms and adopting healthier behaviors. Gender and youth equality are incorporated in all project activities. Local implementing partners include:

• Tanzania Marketing and Communication (T-MARC)
• Khanga Rue Media
• Tanzania Communication and Development Center (TCDC)

By addressing social and cultural norms, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) system needs, FHI 360 will:

• Improve the ability of individuals to practice healthy behaviors
• Strengthen community support for improved health behaviors
• Improve systems for the coordination and implementation of SBCC interventions

FHI 360 uses a participatory, evidence-based and theory-informed approach. The project coordinates and collaborates with stakeholders through a suite of tools and links individuals, communities and systems with:

• SBCC coaching and training opportunities for job-related strengthening, including improved interpersonal communication
• Mobile technologies for data collection and dissemination
• District-to-national planning processes for funding and activity prioritization, including a small grants mechanism
• Participatory community radio and journalism for audience-led SBCC delivery