SRHR Connect Tanzania

Limited access to accurate SRHR information, commodities, and services, along with cultural norms, stigma, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, hinder young people, particularly girls and young women, from realising their right to the highest attainable standard of health.

The specific problem addressed by SRHR Connect Tanzania is the limited access to accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information, commodities, and services, particularly among young people, with a significant emphasis on adolescent girls and young women. This challenge is pervasive in Tanzania and is mirrored in global contexts.

The scale of the problem in Tanzania: In Tanzania, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, face considerable obstacles in accessing reliable SRHR information and services. According to the Tanzanian Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) of 2015–2016, the adolescent birth rate was 132 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19, highlighting a substantial need for comprehensive SRHR education and services. Additionally, the same survey reported that only 47% of young women in Tanzania aged 15–24 had comprehensive knowledge of HIV prevention and transmission. This demonstrates a critical gap in access to accurate SRHR information, putting many young individuals at risk. 

Global Scale of the Problem: Globally, the challenges related to SRHR are vast. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 21.6 million girls aged 15–19 years and 2 million girls under 15 give birth in developing regions annually. Moreover, approximately 225 million women in developing countries lack access to modern contraception, leading to unintended pregnancies and increased maternal health risks. This indicates a pressing need for enhanced access to SRHR services on a global scale.

Factors Contributing to the Problem: Several factors contribute to the limited access to accurate SRHR information and services. In Tanzania, socio-cultural norms and gender inequalities play a substantial role. The stigma surrounding SRHR topics often leads to a lack of open discussion and available resources. Additionally, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and transportation barriers further hinder access. Globally, economic disparities and discriminatory policies exacerbate these challenges, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Relevance of SRHR Connect: SRHR Connect Tanzania addresses these challenges by leveraging technology to provide a user-friendly mobile application. This solution offers comprehensive SRHR information, access to quality healthcare facilities, and discreet commodity delivery. By employing innovative technology, SRHR Connect Tanzania aims to bridge the gap in access to accurate information and services, empowering young individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. This solution is poised to not only benefit Tanzanian communities but also hold the potential for a broader global impact, especially in LMICs where the need for accessible SRHR resources is most critical.

SRHR Connect is a user-friendly mobile application designed to empower young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, by providing them with accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and access to essential services.

The app serves as a comprehensive digital resource centre, delivering a range of features tailored to the specific needs of young users. It covers vital topics including contraception, family planning, safe sex practises, and maternal health. Through an intuitive interface, users can easily navigate and access reliable information crucial for making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

One of the key features of SRHR Connect is its ability to connect users with nearby healthcare facilities that offer youth-friendly services. Leveraging geolocation technology, the app provides a convenient way for young individuals to locate and access quality healthcare providers in their vicinity. This ensures that essential services are within reach, reducing barriers related to transportation and accessibility.

Additionally, SRHR Connect addresses the need for privacy and discretion in SRHR matters. The platform integrates a secure channel for users to discreetly order SRHR commodities. This innovative feature allows individuals to obtain necessary supplies without compromising their confidentiality. By prioritising privacy, SRHR Connect aims to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.

The technology behind SRHR Connect leverages the ubiquity of smartphones, making it accessible to a wide audience. The app is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that even those with limited technical proficiency can easily navigate and utilise its features. By harnessing the power of mobile technology, SRHR Connect breaks down barriers and empowers young individuals to access vital SRHR resources.

In essence, SRHR Connect is a digital lifeline, providing young people with the information and services they need to navigate their sexual and reproductive health journey. It bridges the gap in access to accurate SRHR information and services, ultimately empowering young individuals to lead healthier, more autonomous lives. Through its user-friendly interface, geolocation capabilities, and discreet ordering system, SRHR Connect represents a transformative tool in the pursuit of comprehensive SRHR for young people, not only in Tanzania but on a global scale.

The primary target population for SRHR Connect Tanzania is young people, with a specific focus on adolescent girls and young women. This demographic, aged between 10 and 24 years, represents a crucial stage of life where access to accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services is paramount.

Currently, this group faces significant challenges in accessing reliable SRHR resources. Cultural norms, gender inequalities, and societal taboos often restrict open conversations about SRHR topics. This leads to a lack of comprehensive education and support, leaving many young individuals vulnerable to misinformation and potential risks to their sexual and reproductive health.

Moreover, healthcare infrastructure in many regions, particularly in low-resource settings, may not be adequately equipped to cater to the unique needs of young people. This lack of youth-friendly services further compounds the issue, creating a significant gap in SRHR access.

SRHR Connect Tanzania directly addresses these gaps by providing a tailored digital platform that offers comprehensive SRHR information and access to youth-friendly healthcare facilities. It serves as a reliable resource for young individuals to learn about contraception, family planning, safe sex practices, and maternal health. By equipping them with accurate knowledge, SRHR Connect empowers young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.

The app's geolocation feature is crucial in connecting users with nearby healthcare facilities that prioritize youth-friendly services. This ensures that young individuals can access quality care without facing transportation or accessibility barriers. By addressing these specific needs, SRHR Connect fills a critical void in SRHR access for young people.

Additionally, SRHR Connect places a strong emphasis on privacy and confidentiality. Through discreet ordering channels, users can access necessary SRHR commodities without fear of judgment or disclosure. This feature is particularly vital for those who may face societal or cultural pressures that discourage seeking SRHR services.

In summary, SRHR Connect directly targets young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, who face significant barriers in accessing accurate SRHR information and services. By providing a user-friendly digital platform with comprehensive resources, facilitating access to youth-friendly healthcare facilities, and prioritizing privacy, SRHR Connect aims to meaningfully improve the lives of young individuals by empowering them to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.

As the Team Lead for SRHR Connect, I have a deep personal connection to the communities we aim to serve. Having grown up in Tanzania, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, face in accessing accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. This intimate understanding of the local context has been instrumental in shaping our approach.

Our team is comprised of individuals who have direct ties to the communities we serve. Many of us have personal or familial experiences with the barriers young individuals face in seeking SRHR resources. This proximity ensures that our motivations are rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Tanzania.

We are actively engaged with the communities throughout the development of SRHR Connect. We have conducted focus group discussions, surveys, and one-on-one interviews with young individuals, healthcare providers, and community leaders. This iterative feedback process allows us to gain valuable insights into the specific needs, concerns, and preferences of our target audience. We have also sought the input of local NGOs and community organizations working on SRHR issues, collaborating closely with them to align our efforts with existing initiatives and avoid duplication.

The design and implementation of SRHR Connect are meaningfully guided by the input, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. For example, based on feedback from young individuals, we have incorporated features in the app that prioritize user-friendly navigation and culturally sensitive language. The geolocation function was directly inspired by the need for accessible healthcare facilities, a concern raised by many community members.

Furthermore, our team's composition reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We have members from various regions and backgrounds within Tanzania, allowing us to appreciate the unique cultural nuances and preferences of different groups. This diversity ensures that our solution is inclusive and responsive to the multifaceted needs of our target population.

In essence, our team's proximity to the communities, combined with our ongoing engagement and collaboration, ensures that SRHR Connect is not a solution imposed from the outside, but rather one that is co-created with the communities it serves. Our approach is deeply rooted in a commitment to listening, learning, and adapting to the unique needs and perspectives of the young individuals we aim to empower.

Our prototype solution, SRHR Connect, represents a significant step beyond a conceptual idea. A prototype is a tangible manifestation of our concept, demonstrating its feasibility and functionality. In the case of SRHR Connect, we have progressed from conceptual discussions to the actual development of a working digital platform.

We have built and tested a functional version of the mobile application. This prototype showcases key features and functionalities, including the user-friendly interface, comprehensive SRHR information, geolocation-based healthcare facility locator, and discreet commodity ordering system. Through rigorous testing and user feedback, we have refined the user experience to ensure its effectiveness and ease of use.

Furthermore, our prototype incorporates a secure backend infrastructure to handle user data, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. We have also established initial partnerships with local healthcare providers to integrate their services into the platform, laying the groundwork for a seamless user experience.

Additionally, our team has conducted usability testing with a select group of young individuals, healthcare providers, and community members. This real-world feedback has been invaluable in fine-tuning the prototype, aligning it more closely with the specific needs and preferences of our target audience.

Our progress from concept to prototype demonstrates our commitment to practical implementation. SRHR Connect is not just an abstract idea; it is a functional tool poised to make a tangible impact on the lives of young individuals, particularly adolescent girls and young women, in Tanzania. This prototype serves as a concrete demonstration of our dedication to addressing the pressing challenges in SRHR access and education, reflecting our mission to empower young people with accurate information and essential services for their sexual and reproductive health.

SRHR Connect stands out for its innovative approach to addressing the challenges surrounding Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) access, particularly among young people, with a specific focus on adolescent girls and young women.

1. Comprehensive Digital Hub: SRHR Connect offers a one-stop digital platform that combines crucial SRHR information with practical services. It provides accurate, user-friendly information on contraception, family planning, safe sex practises, and maternal health, tailored to the needs of young individuals. This comprehensive approach ensures that users have all the resources they need at their fingertips.

2. Geolocation-based Access: The app leverages geolocation technology to connect users with nearby healthcare facilities offering youth-friendly services. This innovative feature addresses a key barrier young individuals face in accessing quality SRHR care: a lack of knowledge about where to find appropriate services. By using technology to bridge this gap, SRHR Connect transforms how young people access healthcare.

3. Discreet Commodity Ordering: SRHR Connect introduces a discreet commodity ordering system, allowing users to request essential SRHR supplies with privacy and confidentiality. This feature is especially critical in contexts where social stigma or cultural norms may discourage seeking SRHR services openly. By respecting users' need for confidentiality, SRHR Connect revolutionises access to essential commodities.

4. Privacy-Centric Design: The app's user interface and backend infrastructure are designed with privacy as a paramount consideration. Secure data handling protocols ensure that user information is protected, fostering a safe environment for young individuals to seek SRHR information and services.

Broader Positive Impacts: SRHR Connect's innovative approach has the potential to catalyse positive impacts in the broader SRHR space. By showcasing how technology can be harnessed to improve access and information dissemination, we hope to inspire similar initiatives in other regions and contexts facing SRHR challenges. The success of SRHR Connect could serve as a model for leveraging digital solutions to address critical public health issues.

Market Transformation: SRHR Connect has the potential to transform the SRHR market by setting a new standard for accessible, user-friendly, and privacy-centric SRHR solutions. As more young individuals embrace technology for seeking information and services, SRHR Connect could pave the way for a shift in how SRHR resources are accessed and utilised.

Leveraging Technology: SRHR Connect utilises cutting-edge mobile technology to create an accessible, convenient, and secure platform. The integration of geolocation services, discrete commodity ordering, and a user-friendly interface sets SRHR Connect apart as an innovative solution leveraging the power of digital technology to address critical SRHR challenges.

In summary, SRHR Connect's innovative features, privacy-centric design, and use of advanced mobile technology represent a transformative approach to addressing SRHR challenges. By offering a comprehensive digital solution, SRHR Connect has the potential to revolutionise how young individuals access accurate SRHR information and essential services, not only in Tanzania but potentially on a global scale.

Impact Goals:

Next Year (12 months):

1. Reach 50,000 Young Individuals: In the next year, our primary goal is to ensure SRHR Connect directly benefits at least 50,000 young individuals, with a focus on adolescent girls and young women, in Tanzania. We will achieve this by aggressively marketing the app through targeted campaigns, community outreach, and partnerships with local NGOs and youth-focused organizations

2. Establish Partnerships with 100 Healthcare Providers: We aim to forge partnerships with a network of 100 healthcare providers, ensuring they are equipped to offer youth-friendly SRHR services. This will involve engaging with local clinics, hospitals, and community health centers to integrate them into the SRHR Connect platform.

3. Achieve a 90% User Satisfaction Rate: We will implement robust feedback mechanisms within the app to continuously monitor user satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Our aim is to maintain a satisfaction rate of at least 90%, indicating that the app effectively meets the needs and preferences of our target audience.

Next Five Years (60 months):

1. Scale to Reach 500,000 Young Individuals: Over the next five years, our overarching goal is to significantly scale the reach of SRHR Connect. We aim to empower at least 500,000 young individuals in Tanzania with accurate SRHR information and access to essential services

2. Expand to Other High-Need Regions in Tanzania: Building on our success, we will expand our presence to reach underserved regions with high SRHR needs. This expansion will involve tailored outreach efforts and partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure the app is accessible and effective in diverse contexts

3. Advocate for Policy Change and Supportive Ecosystem: Beyond app usage, we aim to leverage our platform to advocate for policy changes that enhance SRHR access and education. We will engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, and advocacy groups, to push for systemic improvements.

Achieving Impact: To achieve these impact goals, we will implement a multi-faceted strategy:

1. Community Engagement and Partnerships: We will continue to actively engage with local communities, healthcare providers, and NGOs to ensure our efforts are grounded in the specific needs and contexts of the regions we serve.

2. User-Centered Design Iterations: We will conduct regular user testing and feedback sessions to refine and enhance the app's user experience, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving preferences and requirements of our target audience.

3. Marketing and Outreach Campaigns: We will launch targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness about SRHR Connect, using both traditional channels and digital platforms to reach a wide audience of young individuals.

4. Capacity Building for Healthcare Providers: We will offer training and resources to healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to offer youth-friendly SRHR services. This will include workshops, informational materials, and ongoing support.

5. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: We will actively engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes that support comprehensive SRHR access for young individuals. This will involve collaborating with advocacy groups, participating in policy forums, and sharing evidence-based research on SRHR needs.

SRHR Connect's theory of change is based on a clear and impactful pathway to address the challenges young individuals, particularly adolescent girls and young women, face in accessing accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services.Activities:

1. Developing a User-Friendly Mobile App: We've created a user-friendly mobile app that offers comprehensive SRHR information, a healthcare facility locator, and a discreet commodity ordering system.

2. Community Engagement and Partnerships: We actively engage with local communities, healthcare providers, and NGOs to ensure our efforts align with the specific needs and contexts of the regions we serve.

3. User-Centered Design Iterations: We conduct regular user testing and feedback sessions to refine the app's user experience, ensuring it remains responsive to the evolving preferences and requirements of our target audience.

4. Marketing and Outreach Campaigns: We launch targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness about SRHR Connect, using both traditional channels and digital platforms to reach a wide audience of young individuals.

5. Capacity Building for Healthcare Providers: We offer training and resources to healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to offer youth-friendly SRHR services.

6. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: We actively engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes that support comprehensive SRHR access for young individuals.

Outputs:

1. Accessible SRHR Information: Users have easy access to accurate and reliable SRHR information through the app.

2. Connected to Youth-Friendly Services: Users can locate nearby healthcare facilities that offer youth-friendly SRHR services.

3. Discreet Commodity Ordering System: Users can request essential SRHR supplies with privacy and confidentiality.

Immediate Outcomes:

1. Empowered Decision-Making: Young individuals are equipped with accurate information to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. 

2. Increased Access to Quality SRHR Services: Users can readily access youth-friendly healthcare facilities, reducing barriers related to transportation and accessibility.  

3. Enhanced Confidentiality and Privacy: The discreet commodity ordering system ensures that users can obtain necessary supplies without compromising their confidentiality.  

Longer-Term Outcomes:

1. Improved SRHR Outcomes: By providing accurate information and access to quality services, SRHR Connect contributes to improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes for young individuals.

2. Reduced Stigma and Barriers: Through advocacy efforts and community engagement, SRHR Connect helps reduce societal stigma and barriers associated with seeking SRHR services.

3. Policy Changes and Supportive Ecosystem: By advocating for policy changes, SRHR Connect works towards creating a supportive environment for comprehensive SRHR access and education.

This theory of change demonstrates how SRHR Connect's activities lead to concrete outputs and immediate outcomes, ultimately contributing to long-term improvements in the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of young individuals in Tanzania. The logical links between activities, outputs, and outcomes are supported by ongoing user testing, feedback sessions, and partnerships with local stakeholders, providing evidence for the strength of these connections.

Currently, our SRHR Connect team consists of:

Full-time staff: 5 members

Part-time staff: 3 members

Contractors: 2 members

This diverse team brings a range of skills and expertise to ensure the success and impact of our solution.

Our team has been dedicated to developing SRHR Connect for a period of 2 years. During this time, we have made significant progress in creating a functional prototype and conducting user testing to refine the app's features and user experience. This commitment reflects our determination to address the critical SRHR challenges faced by young individuals in Tanzania.

At SRHR Connect, we are deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. Our approach is multi-faceted and encompasses various strategies:

Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We have intentionally sought out team members from different regions, ethnicities, genders, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity ensures that our decision-making processes are enriched by a wide array of viewpoints.

Inclusive Hiring Practices: We prioritize inclusive hiring practices, actively seeking out talent from underrepresented communities. We ensure that our recruitment process is transparent, unbiased, and accessible to all qualified candidates. This helps us build a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Community Engagement: We actively engage with local communities to understand their unique needs and preferences. This involves conducting outreach, focus group discussions, and surveys to ensure our solution is culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse contexts of our target audience.

Cultural Sensitivity: We approach our work with a deep respect for local cultures, traditions, and beliefs. This informs the design and content of our app to ensure it is inclusive and does not inadvertently marginalize any group.

Accessibility Considerations: We prioritize accessibility in our app's design, ensuring it is user-friendly for individuals with diverse abilities. This includes features like text-to-speech functionality and high-contrast options.

Continuous Learning and Training: We invest in ongoing training and capacity-building for our team members to enhance their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusivity issues. This empowers them to approach their work with sensitivity and awareness.

Partnerships with Local NGOs: We actively seek partnerships with local NGOs and community organizations that have expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusivity issues. These collaborations help inform our approach and ensure we are aligned with best practices.

Diversity and Inclusion Goals: We have set clear goals for increasing diversity within our team and have established key performance indicators to track progress. These goals are integrated into our organizational objectives, demonstrating our commitment to long-term change.

Overall, our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is embedded in every aspect of our work. We recognize that achieving meaningful impact requires a holistic and intentional commitment to these principles. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we aim to create a solution that truly resonates with and benefits the diverse communities we serve.

SRHR Connect operates on a hybrid business model that balances social impact with sustainability. Our primary focus is on delivering meaningful value to the population we serve while also ensuring financial sustainability to support the continued growth and impact of our initiative.

1. Key customers and beneficiaries: Young Individuals (Aged 15–30): They are the primary beneficiaries of SRHR Connect. We provide them with a comprehensive mobile application that offers accurate SRHR information, access to youth-friendly healthcare facilities, and a discreet commodity ordering system. They need this service to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, access essential services, and maintain privacy and confidentiality.

2. Healthcare Providers: We also serve healthcare providers, including clinics, hospitals, and community health centres. SRHR Connect connects them with young individuals seeking youth-friendly SRHR services. This increases their visibility and enables them to offer their services to a broader demographic.

Products and Services:

1. Comprehensive Mobile Application: Our core offering is a user-friendly mobile application. It provides young individuals with easy access to accurate SRHR information, enables them to locate nearby healthcare facilities, and allows for discreet ordering of essential SRHR supplies.

2. Capacity Building and Training: We offer training and capacity-building sessions for healthcare providers to ensure they are equipped to offer youth-friendly SRHR services. This includes workshops, informational materials, and ongoing support.

How We Provide These Products and Services: Our mobile application, SRHR Connect, is available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. It can be easily accessed and used by young individuals seeking SRHR information and services. We also conduct in-person and virtual training sessions for healthcare providers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to offer youth-friendly SRHR care.

Why do they want or need them?

• Young Individuals: They want accurate information and easy access to SRHR services in a discreet manner. SRHR Connect fulfils this need by providing a user-friendly platform that empowers them to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health.

• Healthcare Providers: They want to reach a wider audience of young individuals seeking SRHR services. By being part of SRHR Connect's network, they gain visibility and can offer their services to a demographic in need.

Revenue Model: While our primary goal is social impact, we recognise the importance of financial sustainability. To achieve this, we employ a multi-faceted revenue model:

1. Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: We establish partnerships with healthcare providers who pay a subscription fee to be featured on our platform, gaining visibility among young individuals seeking SRHR services.

2. Sponsored Content and Advertising: We may feature sponsored content or advertisements from reputable organisations aligned with our mission. These entities can promote relevant products or services within the app.

3. Grant Funding and Donations: We actively seek grant funding and donations from philanthropic organisations, NGOs, and governmental bodies to support the ongoing development and maintenance of SRHR Connect.

The revenue generated directly supports the sustainability and growth of SRHR Connect, enabling us to continue making a positive impact on the sexual and reproductive health of young individuals.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability is rooted in a diversified revenue model that balances social impact with revenue generation. This approach is designed to ensure that our revenue streams cover expected expenses and support the continued growth and impact of SRHR Connect.

1. Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: We will establish partnerships with healthcare providers, including clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. These partners will pay a subscription fee to be featured on our platform, gaining visibility among young individuals seeking SRHR services. This revenue stream will provide a steady source of income.

2. Sponsored Content and Advertising: We will offer opportunities for reputable organizations aligned with our mission to feature sponsored content or advertisements within the app. These entities can promote relevant products or services to our user base. This revenue stream has the potential to generate additional income.

3. Grant Funding and Donations: We will actively seek grant funding and donations from philanthropic organizations, NGOs, and governmental bodies. This funding will support the ongoing development and maintenance of SRHR Connect. It will also serve as a vital source of financial support, especially in the initial phases of our operations.

4. Revenue from Training and Capacity Building: In addition to our core offering, we will provide training and capacity-building sessions for healthcare providers. These sessions will be offered for a fee, generating additional income for the organization.

5. Expansion of Service Offerings: As we grow and establish a strong presence in the SRHR space, we may explore opportunities to expand our service offerings. This could include the development of additional tools, resources, or services that address specific needs within the SRHR ecosystem.

6. Long-Term Investment and Partnerships: In the long term, we may explore strategic partnerships with organizations or seek investment capital to support the scaling and sustainability of SRHR Connect. This could involve collaborations with entities that share our vision and are interested in supporting innovative solutions in the SRHR sector.

By leveraging these revenue streams in a strategic and sustainable manner, we aim to ensure that our financial resources cover expected expenses and support the long-term viability of SRHR Connect. This balanced approach will allow us to continue making a positive impact on the sexual and reproductive health of young individuals while maintaining financial sustainability.