Dar es Salaam

Tanzania / Dar es Salaam

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Tanzania, you can purchase contraception (birth control) without a prescription. According to a 2015 report, 40.6% of Tanzanian women (who are married or in unions) use some form of contraception. The most popular forms of contraception are injectables (13.7%), birth control pills (8.6%) and female sterilization (4.5%).

In 1959, family planning services were introduced to Tanzania and, in 1989, the government launched the National Family Planning program.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Marie Stopes Tanzania: They provide family planning services to women in Tanzania.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Sali International Hospital: Recommended doctors: Doctor Vindhya and Doctor Nymfer. This hospital has been recommended by multiple locals. One said "They are not the cheapest but they are affordable." Phone: +255-22-2601265, +255-22-2601296. Email: info@salihospital.com
• Aga Khan Hospital: Recommended doctor: Dr. Shafiq ("he's the best"). This doctor has been recommended by multiple locals. Address: Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam 2289, Tanzania. Phone: +255 22 211 5151.

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Tanzania, under the Revised Penal Code, abortion is generally illegal. It is only permitted when the pregnancy endangers the woman's life or in cases when the woman's physical or mental health needs to be preserved. In all other circumstances, including when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, when there is risk of fetal impairment, economic/social reasons or when a woman makes a general abortion request, it is illegal. According to the Penal Code, anyone who attempts to procure an abortion (whether they are the pregnant woman or not) can face up to fourteen years in prison. Anyone who attempts to procure a miscarriage for themselves can face up to seven years in prison. Anyone who helps supply drugs or instruments for the purpose of abortion can face up to three years in prison.

Despite these restrictions, clandestine abortions happen in Tanzania every day. The annual abortion rate is 36 per 1,000 women of reproductive age, which is similar to other East African countries. The highest rate of abortions occur in the Lake Zone and Southern Highlands and the lowest rate is in Zanzibar. In 2012, it was found that 30% of all maternal deaths were due to unsafe abortions.

List of Additional Resources

• LGBT Voice: "Our Vision: To be the leading LGBT organization in Tanzania promoting equality, human rights and the upliftment of LGBT people"