From a group of volunteers’ doctors to a leading local and reputable sexual reproductive health rights organization. Chama cha Uzazi na Malezi Bora Tanzania (UMATI) was founded in April, 1959 in Dar es Salaam by a group of female doctors and was registered in May 1960. The main thrust of these pioneers of FP in Tanzania was to enable parents to have small families that they were sure to support and accord a reasonable standard of living.
Three volunteers were selected to form the leadership of the Association when it was founded: Ms. M.C Lloyd as Chairperson, Ms. Varma as Secretary and Ms. M. Knight as a Treasurer.
The pioneers of the movement voluntarily took to advise their fellow parents on the need and merits of planned parenthood. The services they offered included awareness creation by word of mouth, counseling and provision of birth control methods which included the “Condom”. Accounts of those who have been involved in Family Planning in the country since its inception six (6) decades ago confirm that Family Planning clinic sessions were once held in the library at the British Council in Dar es Salaam.
UMATI was created in the belief that all people should have access to sexual reproductive health rights services and information regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, creed or political affiliation, and that people’s family planning needs outweigh respect for national boundaries.