In Dar es Salaam, a reproductive health crisis persists, particularly among adolescents in underserved communities. AKU's School of Nursing and Midwifery, East Africa (SONAM EA) students in Tanzania, as part of their community midwifery course, witnessed these challenges firsthand during home visits. They observed young mothers lacking guidance, male hesitancy in antenatal care, and widespread knowledge gaps.
To address this, BSc Midwifery and BSc Nursing – Direct Entry students, guided by faculty, organized a two-day community outreach in Saranga and Minondo, areas known for reproductive health issues. Their mission: to provide healthcare and promote lasting change.
The initiative focused on bridging knowledge gaps, offering education on family planning, antenatal care, and cervical cancer prevention. Students used role-plays and demonstrations to break down communication barriers. One mother of three from Minondo shared, “I used to delay my antenatal care visits, thinking it wasn't urgent until much later in my pregnancy. Now, I understand the dangers and the importance of starting early. From now on, I will follow what I've learned and make sure I attend all my appointments."
A key focus was addressing cultural barriers, especially male involvement in reproductive health. A local street chairman admitted, “In our community, a man going with his wife to the clinic is seen as strange. Carrying her bag? Sitting beside her as she speaks with a midwife? People will laugh." Through open discussions, perceptions began to shift, with men recognizing the importance of their involvement.
SONAM faculty member Lucy Kisaka reflected, “Guiding and supervising the students in the community was a learning process for me as well. Midwifery in a community setting is more than just clinical skills, it's about understanding social dynamics, breaking cultural barriers, and fostering trust."
Students gained invaluable experience. One BSc Midwifery student stated, “This experience has shown me the gaps that exist in reproductive health access. As I prepare for my own community placement next year, I feel more prepared to advocate for better awareness and accessibility."
The outreach provided crucial care and sparked vital conversations, demonstrating the students' commitment to serving their communities beyond the classroom.
