Philipo Balole (right) counseling a couple on available family planning methods.
At Kasota Health Centre in Geita District, Tanzania, midwife Philipo Balole has made it his mission to reshape how young couples and first-time parents approach family planning. For Balole, the work isn’t just about delivering babies, it’s about equipping individuals with the knowledge and support they need to plan their futures. Over the past two years,
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) has partnered with in Geita District to increase access to modern contraception, particularly for young married couples and first-time parents aged 15-24 across 15 local health facilities. In this age group, cultural taboos, misinformation, and a lack of accurate information pose significant barriers to acceptance of family planning.
Despite these challenges, the demand for contraception remains high. A recent survey revealed that 59% of all married women have a demand for family planning, which includes 21% of women with an unmet need for family planning and 38% of women with a met need. The other 41% said they did not wish to delay or limit pregnancy.
Introducing provider-initiated family planning (PIFP) proved to be a strong fit for Kasota Health Centre after coaching from TCI. As part of one of TCI’s high-impact interventions – Family Planning Integration – PIFP encourages healthcare providers to initiate family planning conversations as part of routine care. Balole quickly recognized its potential, realizing many of the concerns and misconceptions women, men, and young people have about modern contraception could be addressed simply by providing supportive, non-judgmental information.
Initially, Balole faced resistance from his colleagues, with one of the trained health workers in the facility admitting:
At first, we were biased against provider-initiated family planning, We thought it might be too intrusive to talk to potential clients about family planning without them asking first. But with time, we saw the benefits. It helped shift our mindset and gave us the confidence to offer family planning options to every patient who needed them.”
Balole’s persistence paid off. As he continued to train and coach his colleagues, they began to see the value of integrating family planning discussions into routine care. The transformation wasn’t just in practice but in attitude. Healthcare providers became more confident and comfortable engaging patients about contraception. This work extends beyond technical training as Balole prioritizes effective communication, ensuring healthcare providers not only offer family planning methods but also educate patients in a way that feels empowering and judgment-free. He explained:
It’s not enough to just give information, We need to make sure patients understand their choices and feel supported in making the decision that’s best for them. By integrating family planning into routine care and raising awareness in the community, we’re creating an environment where people feel comfortable seeking services.”
Philipo Balole offers a family planning method to a client.
Balole has coached health workers not only within his facility but also across the district, fostering a network of providers committed to improving family planning access. The impact of Balole’s work is evident. Data from the National Health Management Information System shows a significant increase in the number of young women accessing family planning methods at Kasota Health Centre.
From January to October 2024, over 785 clients received family planning services, marking a significant improvement compared to the same period the previous year. This growth highlights the effectiveness of the provider-initiated approach and Balole’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to family planning. Challenges remain, including cultural stigma, myths surrounding contraception, and limited resources. Yet Balole remains optimistic:
We’ve come a long way, but there’s still much to be done. I’ve seen how lives can change when young people have access to the right information and services. We’re on the right path, and we won’t stop until every person in Geita District has the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future.”
Balole’s story is a powerful testament to how one individual can create lasting change with the right support. Through his dedication and TCI’s partnership, he has empowered healthcare providers and patients alike, helping to bridge the gap in family planning access.
