There is no one with mental health issues who isn’t one crisis away from addiction or suicide.

This quote painfully resonates as we observe World Mental Health Day 2024. While the world recognizes this day to raise awareness and mobilize support, in Tanzania, a silent pandemic continues to grow. Addiction and Suicide are severe consequences of untreated mental health challenges; these two serious issues have become national crises that demand urgent action.

Gaps in Mental Health, Suicide, and Addiction Intervention Services

Tanzania’s mental health system is grossly underdeveloped. Public rehabilitation centers are very few and underfunded, and private facilities remain unaffordable for most citizens.

According to the WHO, Tanzania has fewer than 55 psychiatrists and 200 psychologists serving over 60 million people. The WHO recommends at least 1 psychiatrist per 100,000 Tanzanians, and therefore, the country faces a critical shortage of mental health professionals. Addiction recovery specialists are even scarcer. This lack of access to specialized care leaves those battling addiction, depression, and suicidal tendencies without adequate support.

What Can We Learn from Other African Countries?

Countries like Ghana have reduced suicide rates by decriminalizing it, fostering greater openness around mental health. South Africa and Kenya have implemented addiction treatment programs tailored to high-stress sectors like the military and corporate environments, where mental health risks are particularly high. Zambia and Botswana offer models where employees, rather than being terminated for addiction, are given access to paid rehabilitation services. These countries provide clear examples of how a proactive and humane approach can lead to better outcomes.

Declaring a Public Health Emergency

To address the growing mental health, addiction, and suicide crisis, Tanzania must declare a Public Health Emergency. This declaration would mobilize resources, improve institutional coordination, and push for urgent reforms. Key mechanisms triggered by such a declaration include increased funding, the expansion of treatment facilities, and more professional training. National awareness campaigns must also be launched to de-stigmatize mental health and encourage early intervention.

Call to Action

This World Mental Health Day, we call on Tanzanian leaders, stakeholders, and the population at large to recognize mental health, addiction, and suicide as a public health emergency. Better coordinated awareness campaigns and actions across schools, workplaces, and government institutions are needed to prevent further loss of life.

Conclusion

Mental health, suicide, and addiction should not be treated as mere personal failings but as public health priorities. By learning from other countries and mobilizing resources now, Tanzania can reverse the current trends and ensure no one suffers in silence.