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

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 supporting the adoption of healthier behaviors. Gender and youth equality are incorporated in all project activities. 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 will use a participatory, evidence-based and theory-informed approach. The project team will coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders through a suite of tools and link 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