Programs

The Momentum Project is a community-led harm reduction initiative implemented in Tanga City Council, Tanga Region, through a partnership between STEPS Tanzania and MUKIKUTE. The project focuses on improving the wellbeing and social inclusion of Women Who Use Drugs (WWUD) and their partners by addressing structural and health-related vulnerabilities linked to drug use, including HIV, TB, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis, gender-based violence, stigma, discrimination, and poverty. It applies a gender-responsive and human rights-based approach that prioritizes dignity, equity, and meaningful participation of affected communities, particularly women and adolescent girls who use drugs.

Target Groups: The primary target group of the project is People Who Use Drugs (PWUD), with a specific focus on Women and Adolescent Girls Who Use Drugs (WWUD). The secondary target group includes sexual partners of WWUD and adolescent girls who use drugs, who are also engaged in prevention, linkage, and support interventions.

Implementation is anchored on peer-led programming, where trained Peer Educators use lived experience to engage communities, promote health-seeking behavior, and support early identification and linkage to care. The project strengthens referral pathways between community outreach structures and health facilities within Tanga City Council, including MAT clinics and other integrated service delivery points, ensuring continuity of care for PWUD and related populations. Collaboration with local government authorities, health facilities, and community stakeholders enhances coordination and improves the responsiveness of services for Key and Vulnerable Populations.

Project Objective: The project aims to strengthen the health, social, and economic wellbeing of Women Who Use Drugs (WWUD) and their partners in Tanga City Council by improving access to community-led harm reduction services, integrated healthcare, rights-based support, and economic empowerment interventions, while enhancing multi-sectoral coordination for sustainable and inclusive service delivery.

Beyond service delivery, the project supports capacity strengthening for peer educators and service providers to improve quality, confidentiality, and stigma-free service provision. It also promotes integrated approaches that combine health, social, and economic support interventions to address underlying drivers of vulnerability and enhance resilience among beneficiaries. Overall, the Momentum Project contributes to more inclusive and effective community-based health responses within Tanga City Council, aligned with national priorities and global harm reduction standards.