A DAR ES SALAAM-BASED youth empowerment advocate Navid Adatia has been awarded the ‘Young Leader of the Year’ in recognition of his significant impact on family planning and youth empowerment in Tanzania.

In an interview following the award, Adatia described the recognition as a "true honour" and a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved in his mission.

“I feel immense gratitude for my family, friends, team, mentors and all those who have supported me. This award isn’t just a personal achievement; it reflects our shared commitment to improving lives and empowering communities,” he said.

Adatia who is also Country Manager for DKT International Tanzania, a leading non-governmental organisation in reproductive health and family planning, emphasised his commitment to making family planning services accessible, affordable and effective for all Tanzanians.

Through various programmes, including awareness campaigns and healthcare partnerships, DKT Tanzania reaches diverse communities, helping individuals make informed choices about their reproductive health.

“Our work is about breaking down barriers to reproductive health, enhancing accessibility and empowering people to take control of their wellbeing,” Adatia explained.

He noted the transformative impact of their efforts, highlighting improvements in access to family planning resources across Tanzania from urban centres to the most remote villages.

“We provide education, counselling and innovative solutions that meet people where they are. Over the years, we've seen increased awareness, healthier families and empowered youth making informed decisions. Witnessing these positive changes is the most rewarding aspect of our work and it motivates us to keep pushing forward,” he said

Adatia’s goals moving forward include expanding their impact, particularly in rural and underserved areas and further strengthening the framework for family planning across Tanzania.

“We are also committed to involving more young leaders in the process, ensuring they have a seat at the table. The future of Tanzania lies in the hands of its youth and I am passionate about creating opportunities for them to thrive, contribute and lead,” he added.