Discover the journey of Afyaplus Organization - from humble beginnings to a catalyst for change in Tanzania's health and water sectors.
Meet Our Founder Explore Timeline
Suzan Lucas Yumbe grew up in rural Tanzania, where the daily struggle for safe water and adequate sanitation was not a statistic – it was her reality. That lived experience ignited a lifelong mission to dismantle the structural gaps that keep communities from thriving.
Today, as a Chevening Scholar with an MSc in Public Health for Development from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Suzan combines grassroots wisdom with global expertise. In 2017 she founded Afyaplus as a community‑based organisation; by 2020 it had grown into a nationally registered NGO.
Suzan’s vision is a Tanzania where safe water, dignified sanitation and menstrual health are not development projects – they are guaranteed rights. Through Afyaplus she is building an integrated, evidence‑driven model that links infrastructure, behaviour change and policy advocacy to create lasting systems change.
We believe in solutions created with communities, not for them. Our programs are designed through participatory approaches that respect local knowledge.
Our projects are designed for long-term impact. We train local water committees and health workers to maintain systems and continue education.
We prioritize programs that reduce the burden on women and girls, giving them time for education and economic activities that transform communities.
Afyaplus was founded by Suzan Yumbe with a small team of volunteers, starting as a Community Based Organization.
Officially registered under the NGO act, focusing on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition and Women Empowerment.
Initiated and conducted the 1st Afyaplus WASH Gala to fund water storage improvements in 25 government schools.
Secured funding from Malala Fund and built five handwashing stations through the 2nd WASH Gala.
3rd WASH Gala welcomed new partners to scale Afyaplus’ mission across Tanzania.
Opened a new office in Dodoma and launched the Afyaplus Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
