About HPI/Tanzania

The USAID | Health Policy Initiative in Tanzania (HPI/Tanzania) works to strengthen the policy environment for family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) and HIV. HPI/Tanzania focuses on creating sustainable capacity for policy and advocacy initiatives among the government of Tanzania, other public sector partners, and faith-based and civil society organizations, including those representing people living with HIV. The project also supports measures that address stigma and discrimination and gender inequities. Project activities focus on achieving five main objectives. HPI/Tanzania continues and builds on work carried out under Task Order 1 (2005–2008). The base period for HPI/Tanzania is for four years, beginning December 1, 2008, with an option for a one-year extension.

Objective 1: Identify and Address Policy Barriers
HPI/Tanzania works with the U.S. government team and in-country partners to identify key policy barriers that hinder successful implementation of HIV and FP/RH programs. Once the barriers are identified, the project helps prioritize them; develop action plans to address them; and support successful implementation of these action plans.

Objective 2: Develop and Implement Policies
The improvement and expansion of HIV and FP/RH programs requires good policies and effective advocacy. HPI/Tanzania supports establishment of the policy framework needed to support the country's HIV response and the achievement of its FP/RH goals by contributing to the development, adoption, and implementation of national and local laws, policies, and plans.

Objective 3: Strengthen Advocacy
Strong advocacy is vital to achieving the policy changes needed to create an enabling policy environment. Therefore, HPI/Tanzania works to strengthen the capacity of the public sector, civil society organizations, networks, and other influential bodies to advocate for policy change and catalyze successful policy implementation.

Objective 4: Reduce Gender Inequity
Gender inequities can increase individuals' vulnerability to HIV infection and restrict their access to health services. HPI/Tanzania supports policy and advocacy-based interventions to decrease these gender-based vulnerabilities, especially gender-based violence, and improve equitable access to HIV and FP/RH services.

Objective 5: Promote Evidence-based Decisionmaking
To effectively scale up its national HIV response and achieve its FP/RH goals, Tanzania needs to institute policies and programs based on solid evidence. This requires evidence-based decisionmaking and advocacy. Thus, HPI/Tanzania is helping policymakers and advocates to hone their ability to use data in the policy process.

HPI/Tanzania is implemented by the consortium led by Futures Group International.