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Aga Khan champions world mental health day with community walkathon

DAR ES SALAAM: In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Aga Khan Health Service hosted a walkathon under its Choice Project to raise awareness about mental health services.

The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, promoting both physical fitness and mental health dialogue.

Speaking at the event, Sisawo Koneth, the CEO of Aga Khan Health Service, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the walkathon in promoting both physical and mental health.

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“Walkathon like these are incredibly beneficial in building physical fitness. They also help the community come together, encouraging exercise, which not only strengthens the body but also plays a role in preventing various diseases,” he stated.

Koneth further added that events like this create a platform for people to socialize, interact, and address mental health issues that are often neglected in society.

“The walkathon was not just about fitness, but it reflected the spirit of unity and partnership. By bringing together individuals from all walks of life, the event successfully raised awareness and encouraged open dialogue about mental health challenges that continue to affect communities globally,”

He noted that, “Participants not only walked for their health but also walked for a cause that affects millions of people worldwide. The shared goal of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health resonated deeply with those in attendance, fostering a collective commitment to address mental health challenges and prioritize emotional well-being in everyday life,”

On his part Charles Sagoe, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) of Tanzania also addressed the attendees, shedding light on the significant impact of poor mental health on global productivity.

“The results of poor mental health can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and higher staff turnover. For instance, depression and anxiety result in the loss of approximately 12 billion workdays globally each year, costing the global economy around 1 trillion dollars,” Sagoe said.

He further noted that, “The individuals with severe mental health conditions often face exclusion from employment or experience stigma in the workplace. The challenges facing African countries,”

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“Only 8 of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region reported having mental health promotion programs in workplaces by 2020, and only 3 had active collaborations between mental health services and labor departments,” he said.

Naomi Hussein was one of the participants in the walkathon, she expressed her excitement by narrating that, it0 was an eye-opener not only did we get a chance to exercise and improve our health, but we also came together as a community to discuss the importance of mental health which is often overlooked.

She emphasized that, “The walkathon went beyond physical activity, offering an infrequent opportunity for people to engage with a crucial yet frequently ignored aspect of overall health. The mental health is often covered in stigma and silence, particularly in communities where awareness is limited,”