Press Release

U.S. Ambassador Launches New HIV Programme for Youth

December 11, 2006

U.S. Ambassador Michael L. Retzer was joined by First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete at the launching of the UJANA project on Monday, December 11, 2006. UJANA project is a follow-on to YouthNet/Tanzania. It is a five-year, $25 million, project funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project is aimed at promoting HIV prevention and improving the reproductive health of young people aged 10 to 24.

With a cost-sharing contribution of up to $3.75million from Family Health International (FHI), the project will support change communication efforts; built capacities of faith-based organizations; strengthened youth participation and leadership; enhanced and supported youth health services, and improved coordination among and provided technical leadership to youth-serving and youth-run organizations. The team includes the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), Femina/Health Information Programme (HIP) and TRACE OD – to implement this programme.

Ujana, the Kiswahili word for youthfulness, captures the spirit of youth that is an integral part of the work that will be conducted. The letters of the UJANA Project name also form an acronym that represents key elements of the project’s philosophy: Ustadi, Juhudi, na Ari, ni Nguzo za Afya, which translates to “skills, effort, and enthusiasm are pillars of health.”

YouthNet/Tanzania provided technical and financial support to over 60 non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations in Iringa, Dar es Salaam and Morogoro Regions.

Because social and gender norms and economic factors greatly contribute to the sexual behaviours and well-being of Tanzanian youth, UJANA will work with influential adults and the broader community to help create environments supportive of healthy behaviours, especially abstinence, delay of sexual debut, faithfulness/partner reduction, and appropriate use of condoms.