Wajamama
VP Grantee

Wajamama, now in its second year as a grantee of the New Africa Fund, is a grassroot organization providing accessible, holistic healthcare services to women and girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds across Zanzibar, Tanzania. The organization focuses on women’s reproductive health, supporting healthy pregnancies, empowered birth experiences, and nurturing early childhood development.

 

Wajamama was founded in 2019 by Nafisa Jiddawi, a Family and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. Born in Zanzibar and educated in the United States, Nafisa was driven to establish Wajamama after witnessing preventable maternal deaths and the systemic mistreatment of birthing individuals and infants in the region. These experiences inspired her deep commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Zanzibar.

 

Wajamama operates several initiatives, including:

• Wajamama Wellness Center – The center provides pediatric and primary care services, focusing on specialized women’s health, including gynecological, prenatal, and postpartum services. Additionally, it is home to Zanzibar’s only women-led fitness and yoga studio, creating a safe space for women’s physical wellness.

• Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Clinics – Wajamama operates clinics across Zanzibar’s villages, where they offer essential prenatal, birthing, and early childhood care, alongside preventive healthcare and health education.

• Nurse-Midwifery Workforce Development – A key program aimed at equipping local nurses with the knowledge and skills to provide safe and empowering care in maternal and women’s health. 

 

In 2024, Wajamama expanded its reach and deepened its focus on the Group Care Model across its Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) clinics in Zanzibar. This model supports women through group prenatal care, allowing them to navigate pregnancy alongside a cohort of 8 to 15 other women. Participants attend the eight prenatal visits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), during which they receive guidance on each stage of pregnancy, essential health precautions, and self-care practices.

 

The program has achieved remarkable results, including a 100% reduction in maternal anemia – a leading health challenge for pregnant women in Zanzibar. Recognizing the emotional toll of pregnancy, especially in contexts where women often experience isolation, Wajamama has integrated a mental health component into the Group Care Model. Trained facilitators use perinatal depression screening tools and equip women with resilience-building techniques and coping strategies to promote positive and sustainable mental well-being, helping to prevent postpartum depression.