Tanzania sets five strategies to curb mental health challenges
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ministry of Health has said it has prepared five strategies that will help ensure that mental health challenges caused by various disasters such as conflicts, landslides and epidemics are addressed.
Making a statement in commemoration of World Mental Health Day today, October 10, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Grace Maghembe said the government has established psychological support desks, built the capacity of primary health care workers, collaborated with religious leaders, the media and social organizations in providing public education and combating stigma against those with mental health challenges.
“Tanzania joins the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states in celebrating World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is ‘Access to Mental Health Services during Disasters and Emergencies’ with a specific message to encourage mental health services and psychosocial support to be provided to all people, especially those affected by disasters such as floods, landslides, disease outbreaks, conflicts and road accidents,” she explained.
Dr Maghembe said that according to WHO, in 2025, about a million people in the world will need humanitarian assistance due to conflicts, climate change and natural disasters.
Dr Maghembe noted that of them, more than 300 million need mental health services and psychosocial support, which shows a significant increase in these important needs.
She further explained that in this country, psychological effects are clearly visible during various disasters such as floods and landslides that occurred in Hanang, Manyara Region in 2023 where more than 5,600 people were directly affected.
“In that event, the government in collaboration with stakeholders reached 3,380 people with psychological and social support, these services have also been provided in other disasters such as the COVID-19 outbreak, Mpox, Marburg and building collapses,” she said.
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She called on all Tanzanians to recognize that mental health services are a basic right of everyone, so help those facing these challenges by listening to them without judging them, encouraging them to seek help and participating in learning about mental health.
“Let us build a society with compassion, hope, solidarity and love,” she stressed.
