Pillar 01

Health

SDG 3, with SDG 4 and SDG 5

Wellbeing held together: NCDs, sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.

Overview

Wazi promotes holistic wellbeing through integrated interventions across non-communicable diseases (NCDs), sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and mental health. The approach combines awareness, access to services, and structured referral systems. The pillar is anchored by the Wazi Dispenser Model, with research and thought-leadership tracks running alongside it.

Where the work lives

Three sub-areas under Health.

A Wazi facilitator presenting in a school assembly.
Sub-area 01

Non-Communicable Diseases

Lifestyle education, screenings, and expert-led sessions focused on hypertension, diabetes, and nutrition-related conditions affecting young people.

Wazi team marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day with placards.
Sub-area 02

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Safe spaces, sexuality education, access to information and products, and referrals to health facilities and GBV support services. Built into the dispenser model and the AYP curriculum.

A Wazi peer support session in progress.
Sub-area 03

Mental Health

Peer support spaces, awareness sessions, and structured referrals to counsellors, health facilities, and community support systems. Partnership with Paper Hearts Foundation.

A Wazi staff member explaining the dispenser instruction label.
Featured Initiative

The Wazi Dispenser Model

Began in 2021 in response to persistent gaps in access to menstrual products. In 2022, with Be Kids Australia funding through the Soko Mjinga Youth Leap Enterprise Grant, Wazi piloted a low-cost, low-technology dispenser at Kenyatta University. Phase 2 has the model in 6 Ruaraka schools and one additional university.

Dispensers Live 13 across 8 institutions
Direct Users 1,500+ reached
Potential Reach 30,000+ across the ecosystem
Cash Track KES 10 / pad · KES 20 / tampon
Token Track Free, prioritising vulnerable users
Within the pillar

Sub-initiatives.

Beyond Access: Research and Learning

Data from 1,400+ respondents on menstrual health attitudes and practices. Published in 2024 as Sustainable Menstrual Health Approaches for Grassroot Initiatives in Kenya (SSRN).

Read the paper

8 Principles of Menstrual Health, Hygiene and Dignity

Produced at the Innovating Dignity seminar at American Corner Moi University, December 2025. Knowledge and education, access and affordability, product choice, WASH infrastructure, health and clinical care, inclusion and rights, innovation and youth leadership, governance and accountability.

Green the Red

Deliberation to Action for Sustainable Menstrual Practices, 2025 to 2026. Funded by the European Union and the Big 6 through Global Youth Mobilization. Sustainable product use, waste management, access and affordability, behavioural change.

Pillar Partners
Be Kids Australia KU Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment KU Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub Paper Hearts Foundation European Union Global Youth Mobilization

Adopt a dispenser. Stock a school.

KES 8,500 a term covers 5 cartons of pads. KES 25,500 a year stocks one institution end-to-end.

Adopt a Dispenser