Mental illness knows no boundaries, warns expert

DODOMA: MENTAL illness is a universal challenge that can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, income, religion or cultural background, according to Dr Isaack Rugemalira, an Addiction Psychiatrist and Head of the Psychiatry and Mental Health Services Department at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma.

Speaking at a recent mental health training workshop in the capital, Dr Rugemalira emphasised the scope of the issue citing a World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021 report which notes that one in every five people globally lives with a mental disorder.

“There are 297 classified mental disorders, and while most cases reported to our hospital involve youths aged between 10 and 24, anyone can be affected,” said Dr Rugemalira, who also serves as President of the Eastern Africa Psychiatry and Trainees Association.

The training was jointly organised by BMH, the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and the Institute of Social Work (ISW), and brought together staff from all three institutions.

He identified key symptoms of mental health issues as a decline in personal care, strained interpersonal relationships, reduced productivity and diminished mental enjoyment.

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Also speaking at the event, President of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), Dr Mugisha Nkoronko stressed the importance of integrating mental health services into all levels of healthcare.

“It’s our goal to ensure that mental health services are accessible in every healthcare facility across the country,” Dr Nkoronko said.

Earlier this month, BMH, through its Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, launched Staff Wellness Services and expanded services for drug addiction recovery, as part of its ongoing commitment to mental health support.