MURUFITI, United Republic of Tanzania – Janeth Nashon Jackson, a dedicated nurse at the village dispensary in Murufiti, is leading a transformation. She has made the dispensary into a sanctuary for adolescents and young people seeking life-changing healthcare.
The government-owned dispensary provides outpatient services, an HIV and AIDS clinic and obstetric care, assisting up to 500 people a month. Every Saturday, it becomes a hub of activity as Janeth hosts weekend youth clinics.
Young people flock to the clinics for medical assistance and a sense of belonging. The vibrant gatherings feature sports, movies and educational workshops. Janeth helps all attendees feel comfortable and empowered to seek the care they deserve.
“The services have really helped me understand family planning and reproductive health better.” Mariam Yusuphu, a participant in the youth clinics, told UNFPA. “I used to be afraid to ask questions, but nurse Janeth makes us feel supported.”
A striking impact
The programme’s impact has been striking. Family planning uptake among adolescents aged 15–19 grew by 13.8 per cent in just two years. Adolescent deliveries dropped a dramatic 65.4 per cent.
Janeth deploys innovative strategies to engage young people, including peer education and youth clubs. A friendly, supportive environment both raises awareness and reduces stigma, encouraging youth to make informed health decisions and avoid risks such as unintended pregnancies.
“The clinic has become a safe place for me and my friends to learn and take care of our health," Yusuphu testified. She took part in UNFPA training to become a peer educator at the dispensary. “I’ve seen how it’s helping others, with fewer teenage pregnancies and better health for us young people.”
UN health leaders combine their expertise
UNFPA-supported training helped Janeth improve the dispensary’s services for adolescents and youth. It was provided under a joint programme, 2Gether4SRHR, a partnership involving UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS and the World Health Organization. Support from the Government of Sweden backs the programme.
Active across East and Southern Africa, including in the Kigoma region of Tanzania where Murufiti is located, 2Gether4SRHR links the expertise of the four leading United Nations health entities to enhance access to services for sexual and reproductive health, HIV and gender-based violence. It empowers communities, including adolescents and youth, with knowledge and resources to make safe and healthy reproductive choices. And it promotes a culture of respect for rights and equality in healthcare delivery.
Better health and greater hope
Significant challenges remain in Murufiti. Cultural barriers still hinder access to reproductive health services, and misconceptions persist.
Limited resources, including insufficient transportation for youth with disabilities and the absence of simple incentives such as snacks, impede attendance at the clinics.
Yet Janeth remains undeterred, continuing to advocate every day for every young person in her community – so they know that their health matters. The impact of her work is palpable not only in better health outcomes but in the greater hope expressed by adolescents and youth.
Her story offers a powerful reminder of the potential for compassionate, inclusive and friendly healthcare to serve communities and spark lasting change.
