Tanzania scales up mental health services nationwide

TANZANIA – The Tanzanian government has expanded mental health and counseling services to 701 centers nationwide in a major step toward improving mental healthcare.

This initiative, announced by Deputy Minister for Health Dr. Godwin Mollel in Parliament, focuses on reaching more people—especially the youth—with the support they need.

These centers provide counseling services, conduct public awareness campaigns, and offer community outreach to assist individuals in managing mental health challenges.

Despite these advancements, Tanzania faces ongoing challenges in mental health care. There is a critical shortage of trained professionals, with only 38 psychiatrists and 17 psychologists serving the entire nation.

Mental health issues remain heavily stigmatized, discouraging individuals from seeking help. Additionally, limited funding and fragmented care systems hinder the effectiveness of mental health services. ​

To address these issues, the government has trained 2,840 healthcare workers to detect and manage mental health disorders.

A toll-free hotline (115) has been established to provide phone-based mental health support. Furthermore, 1,561 youth-friendly centers have been set up nationwide to create safe spaces for young people to access care.

Innovative initiatives like the AHADI platform are also contributing to mental health support. AHADI offers a mobile app, SMS helpline (15061), and a 24/7 crisis hotline (199) to provide culturally relevant and stigma-free care for youth.

This digital platform addresses the gap in mental health services, especially in rural areas where professionals are scarce.

Looking ahead, the Tanzania Mental Health Summit 2025 is scheduled for May 30–31 in Shinyanga Region.

Organized by the Women and Youth Development Solution (WAYDS), the summit aims to foster collaboration, advocacy, and action to transform the mental health landscape in Tanzania.

It will bring together government institutions, NGOs, private sector leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community advocates to address mental health challenges and promote sustainable development. ​