Dar es Salaam: Exim Bank Tanzania proudly organized the ‘Exim Bima Festival 2024,’ a landmark event dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support mental health services.
In celebration of 27 years of serving Tanzanians, Exim Bank launched this festival under the theme ‘Amsha Matumaini’, bringing together stakeholders including insurance companies, healthcare professionals, employees, and sports personalities at the Gymkhana Grounds in Dar es Salaam.
This festival is not only a platform for entertainment but also a clarion call for every Tanzanian to take action in supporting mental health awareness and care.
As mental health challenges rise across the country, this festival presents a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and various sectors to join hands in raising funds and advocating for better care for those affected by mental health issues.
ALSO READ: Exim to raise fund for mental health facilities upgrades
Officiating the event on behalf Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, Ridhiwani Kikwete, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disabilities), lauded Exim Bank for its significant contributions to healthcare improvement.
“I call upon other companies and institutions to follow Exim Bank’s lead. Mental health must be prioritized not only by the government or the Ministry of Health but by every stakeholder—corporations, NGOs, development partners, and the community at large. Together, we can build a healthcare system that is inclusive and accessible to everyone, leaving no one behind,” remarked Ridhiwani.
The Exim Bima Festival 2024 is a cornerstone of Exim Bank’s ‘Exim Cares’ initiative. This year’s event focused on enhancing public understanding of the importance of insurance while prioritizing access to mental health services and promoting the overall well-being of Tanzanians nationwide. Exim Bank has committed to raising TZS 300 million over the next three years to support vital services and infrastructure development in mental health facilities across the country.
“Today, we gather to address a critical health issue, with the aim of supporting our fellow Tanzanians who are battling mental health conditions. The statistics are alarming—mental health problems are increasingly pervasive, with the most affected group being individuals aged between 15 and 39, who form the backbone of our nation’s workforce,” said Mr. Jaffari Matundu, Chief Executive Officer of Exim Bank Tanzania.
Of the country’s 28 regions, only five have mental health centers that meet the required standards. The magnitude of this issue is reflected in the fact that those aged between 15 and 39—Tanzania’s most productive demographic—are the most vulnerable. This calls for urgent action to safeguard this generation and secure the country’s future development and prosperity.
Exim Bank’s efforts are in line with the Tanzanian government’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services. By expanding mental health services, Exim Bank aims to create a healthcare network that is quick, affordable, and accessible to everyone, everywhere in Tanzania.