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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.[1] 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
Costs
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.
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Note: The longest-lasting EC is currently ellaOne. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Check to see if your country carries ellaOne. If your country doesn't carry ellaOne, copper IUDs may also prevent pregnancy up to 5 days after unprotected sex. If none of these options are available, and it's been over 3 days since you had unprotected sex, you can still take EC, which may work up to 5 days. Note that EC pills are not 100% effective and should be taken as soon as possible.
Costs
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.
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Testing Facilities
Support
Costs
Medications & Vaccines
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Costs
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.
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Costs
Gynecological Exams
Laws & Social Stigmas
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."
- Aga Khan Hospital: Recommended doctor: Dr. Shafiq ("he's the best"). This doctor has been recommended by multiple locals.
Costs
Pregnancy
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Costs
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.[2]
Despite these restrictions, there are clandestine abortions that 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.[3]
What to Get & Where to Get It
Costs
Advocacy & Counseling
Laws & Social Stigmas
What to Get & Where to Get It
Costs
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"