Over 1,500 welfare officers recruited for mental health

DODOMA: THE government has recruited 1,546 social welfare professionals and deployed them to Local Government Authorities (LGAs) across the country to help address mental health challenges, among other responsibilities.

The announcement was made by Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government – PO-RALG) Dr Festo Dugange, during a parliamentary Q&A session.

He explained that the professionals have been stationed at both council headquarters and ward levels to support mental health services and social welfare delivery.

Dr Dugange was responding to a question raised by Special Seats MP Stella Fiyao, on behalf of fellow MP Hawa Mwaifunga, who sought information on the government’s plans to employ psychologists at the ward level to address growing mental health concerns in communities.

In his response, the deputy minister clarified that, according to the 2022 Local Government Authority structure, mental health services are delivered through the Department of Health, Social Welfare and Nutrition at the LGA level.

“These services are provided by trained professionals in the Social Welfare cadre, who are responsible for delivering psychosocial support at both council and ward levels,” said Dr Dugange.

“To strengthen service delivery, the government has employed 1,546 social welfare professionals and deployed them to various LGAs nationwide,” he added.

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He further assured the House that the government remains committed to continuing the recruitment of more professionals in the Social Welfare field and will prioritise deployment in councils with the greatest need.

In a supplementary question, MP Fiyao expressed concern over the widespread impact of mental health challenges, asking how the newly recruited staff would be held accountable to ensure meaningful results.

Dr Dugange acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, emphasising that the government’s ongoing recruitment of health professionals, many of whom are trained in psychology, demonstrates its commitment to addressing mental health nationwide.

“Speaker, it is important to note that psychology is a component in the training of social welfare officers, psychologists and medical doctors. The government will ensure there is an adequate number of such professionals at health facilities to respond to mental health needs,” he said.