What We Do

Evidence in Action: Our Thematic Focus

RTI-Tanzania implements programmes that turn evidence into real transformation. Our work focuses on understanding and addressing the social, economic, and health factors that affect children, youth, and families. Through collaborative, research-driven initiatives, we aim to generate practical solutions that influence policy and improve well-being across communities.

Our current thematic areas include: School Environment and Child Mental Health, Health Systems Strengthening for Pandemic Preparedness, and Parenting and Prevention of Child Maltreatment — each designed to produce actionable evidence that drives lasting impact.

Thematic Areas

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School Environment and Child Outcomes

Project Title: Caring Schools Project
Duration July 2024 – May 2029

Summary

This project aims to understand how the school environment may impact the mental health of youth in Tanzania. We understand that intervening the school environment to improve school determinants holds promise as a potentially effective ‘’upstream’’ prevention approach of child adversaries and approach for addressing the burden of mental illness in low- and middle-income countries such as Tanzania. We aim to conduct longitudinal research to identify malleable determinants of the school environment that shape youth mental health.

Goal

Understand how the school environment impacts youth mental health in Tanzania and how improving school determinants offers a promising strategy to promote youth mental health.

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Health Systems Strengthening for Pandemic Preparedness and Research Evidence uptake

Project Title: Exploring Tanzania’s Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response Landscape
Duration June, 2025 – February, 2026

Summary

By recognizing the limitations of current biomedical-centric frameworks, this study seeks to integrate social, political and cultural dimensions into pandemic planning by engaging diverse stakeholders and communities, especially those disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Through stakeholder mapping, literature review, qualitative interviews, and scenario dialogues, the study will examine Tanzania’s PPPR landscape governance structures and the lived experiences of stakeholders during the pandemic. The findings will inform the development of adaptable, people-centered tools and indicators that reflect equity, resilience and cross-sectoral cooperation. Ultimately, the Tanzania case study will contribute to a global framework for equitable and effective PPPR, grounded in local realities and aimed at strengthening health security for all.

Goal

To contribute to the NUS-Lancet PRIME Commission’s global effort to reframe pandemic preparedness, prevention and response (PPPR) through inclusive and equity- focused approaches

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Parenting and Prevention of Child Maltreatment

Project Title: Parenting in Early Years
Duration 1 year

Summary

The project aims to provide a comprehensive country level review of the parenting interventions delivered during the first 3 years of life on both Early Child Development and parent-level outcomes.

Goal

To strengthen evidence-based parenting practices to support early childhood development in Tanzania.

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Adolescent and Young people's Sexual and Reproductive Health

Project Title: Caring Schools Project
Duration July 2024 – May 2029

Summary

The project aims to understand the structural drivers of adolescent and young people's sexual and reproductive health and interventions that work to prevent risks such as HIV, unplanned pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections. We also aim to understand different forms of sexual violence against women and young people and violence prevention approaches.

Goal

To Reduce Sexual and Reproductive Health Risks among adolescents and young people in Tanzania

Our Activities

RESEARCH AND EVIDANCE GENERATION

We focus on research, innovation, capacity strengthening and program implementation.

ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS

Advocating for social or policy changes to address specific issues, Raising awareness about social, environmental, or health issues.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Initiating projects and programs to enhance the overall well-being of a community, including infrastructure development and environmental initiatives

HEALTHCARE INITIATIVES

Conducting health awareness campaigns, organizing medical camps, and providing access to healthcare services.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Offering educational programs, workshops, and training sessions to empower individuals and communities.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Providing assistance to individuals and families in need