The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government of Sweden have signed a new $2.8 million partnership agreement aimed at advancing sexual and reproductive health in Tanzania.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Swedish Ambassador to Tanzania, Charlotta-Ozaki Macías, reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for adolescents.
“This partnership will contribute to UNFPA’s ‘three zeros’ targets: zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence. Sweden is proud to support UNFPA’s vital work in Tanzania,” she stated.
Ambassador Macías highlighted the flexibility of the funding, emphasizing Sweden's trust in UNFPA’s ability to deliver tangible and lasting results.
“This initiative will empower individuals—especially women and youth—to access quality healthcare, education, and opportunities to thrive,” she added.
The program aligns with key outcomes outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and prioritizes voluntary family planning, maternal health, and the prevention of gender-based violence.
It also emphasizes the empowerment of women and adolescents through education and innovative solutions, while fostering partnerships and leveraging South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
“Sweden’s support for UNFPA reflects our broader commitment to gender equality, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health,” said Ambassador Macías. “By supporting the 9th Country Programme, we reaffirm our contribution to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring a future where every individual can lead a healthy and prosperous life.”
UNFPA Representative in Tanzania, Mark Bryan Schreiner, expressed gratitude for Sweden’s longstanding partnership and leadership in development aid.
He noted that Sweden has consistently met the United Nations target for Official Development Assistance (ODA) since 1974.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Sweden to advance sexual and reproductive health in Tanzania. This funding will enable us to scale up critical programs that improve the lives of women and young people across the country,” Schreiner said.
He acknowledged that despite adjustments to Sweden’s core funding, the country remains a key partner in UNFPA’s global and national initiatives, particularly in maternal health and efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM).
The signing ceremony not only marks the continuation of Sweden’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s most vulnerable populations but also celebrates the enduring collaboration between Sweden and UNFPA.
“This partnership serves as a key milestone in advancing Tanzania’s development goals and ensuring access to equitable, high-quality healthcare and education for all,” Schreiner concluded.