ZMBF, UNFPA join forces to improve reproductive health

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have signed an agreement to work together on improving sexual and reproductive health services and rights for women and young people in Zanzibar.

At a signing ceremony, board member of ZMBF, Dr Josephine Kimaro and UNFPA’s representative in Tanzania, Mr Mark Bryan Schreiner announced the 30,000 (equivalent to 81mil/-) agreement.

The funding will help ZMBF improve its work in raising awareness, reaching out to communities, and speaking up for the needs of women and youth.

“This is not just about money. It’s about working together to make sure no woman or young person is forgotten,” said Mr Schreiner. “We’re supporting the Foundation so it can continue making a difference in Zanzibar’s communities.” ZMBF was founded under the leadership of the First Lady of Zanzibar, Mariam Mwinyi, and has become a local organization focused on health and well-being, especially for women and girls.

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The Foundation has played an important role in supporting community-led solutions and encouraging open conversations on issues that often go unspoken. With the new support from UNFPA, ZMBF will be able to train its team, create materials that fit local culture, and connect with more young people online.

The organization will also carry out research to better understand the needs of the people it serves. She added, “On behalf of the First Lady, Madam Mariam Mwinyi, the Foundation appreciates the support received from the UNFPA Tanzania and looks forward to deeper collaborations aligned with its Vision, for the benefit of the Zanzibaris, in particular, women, girls and youth in general,” Dr Kimaro said.

She added, “We are grateful for this support and excited about what we can achieve together, especially for women, girls, and young people in Zanzibar,” she said.

The partnership is part of a broader effort by UNFPA to make healthcare and protection services more available and accessible, particularly for those most in need. It also builds on ongoing work with the Zanzibar government to support maternal health, youth services, and to end harmful traditions like child marriage.

This collaboration is one of many steps being taken to ensure that change starts from within communities, with local voices leading the way.