Siththaa - Sexual & Reproductive Health Education

Siththaa is a groundbreaking mobile application that addresses sexual and reproductive health education for youth in the Maldives. Developed in partnership with UNFPA and Society for Health Education (SHE), it’s the first app of its kind to tackle culturally sensitive health topics in the country.

Project Overview

Launched to address the critical gap in sexual and reproductive health education in the Maldives, Siththaa provides a safe, accessible platform for young people to learn about sensitive health topics. The app navigates cultural and religious sensitivities while delivering essential health information to youth who previously had limited access to such resources.

Core Features

Educational Content

• Comprehensive information on sex, sexuality, and reproductive health
• Topics covering contraception, pregnancy, and family planning
• Content on consent, coercion, and healthy relationships
• Age-appropriate, culturally sensitive educational materials

Interactive Learning

• Knowledge-testing quizzes and assessments
• Gamified learning experiences to increase engagement
• Progressive content unlocking based on user progress
• Multi-language support (Dhivehi and English)

Confidential Support

• Anonymous chat feature for private consultations
• Direct connection to SHE counselors and health professionals
• Safe space for asking sensitive questions
• Confidential guidance and support services

Technical Evolution

Original Development

• Native iOS development using Swift
• Native Android development using Kotlin and Java
• Platform-specific optimizations for performance

Flutter Rewrite

• Complete rebuild using Flutter framework and Dart
• Cross-platform codebase for improved maintenance
• Enhanced user experience with modern UI components
• Firebase integration for real-time features and data synchronization

Social Impact

Breaking Cultural Barriers

• First reproductive health app in the Maldives addressing cultural taboos
• Youth-friendly platform providing safe access to sensitive information
• Confidential environment encouraging open discussion about health topics
• Cultural sensitivity while maintaining educational integrity

Educational Transformation

• Filled critical gap in formal sexual education curriculum
• Provided evidence-based health information to underserved youth
• Created safe space for discussing previously taboo subjects
• Supported informed decision-making about reproductive health

Partnership & Collaboration

UNFPA Partnership

• Collaboration with UN Population Fund for global health standards
• Alignment with international reproductive health guidelines
• Support for evidence-based content development
• Ongoing partnership for program expansion

Society for Health Education (SHE)

• Local expertise in Maldivian health education needs
• Community outreach and program implementation
• Professional counseling and support services
• Cultural adaptation and localization guidance

Ongoing Development

Continuous Improvement

• Regular content updates based on latest health guidelines
• User feedback integration for enhanced functionality
• Platform maintenance and security updates
• Feature enhancements to improve user engagement

Technology Modernization

• Migration from native development to Flutter framework
• Improved cross-platform compatibility and maintenance
• Enhanced performance and user experience
• Scalable architecture for future expansion

Impact & Recognition

Community Response

• Significant youth adoption despite cultural sensitivities
• Positive feedback from health professionals and educators
• Recognition as innovative approach to health education
• Support from government and international organizations

Health Outcomes

• Increased access to reproductive health information
• Improved health literacy among Maldivian youth
• Reduced stigma around discussing sexual health topics
• Enhanced support for informed reproductive choices

Conclusion

Siththaa represents a significant achievement in culturally sensitive health technology, demonstrating how mobile applications can address critical social needs while respecting cultural contexts. The project’s success in navigating sensitive topics and providing essential health education has established it as a model for similar initiatives in conservative societies, showcasing the power of technology to create positive social change in health education.