The momentum for mental health transformation in Tanzania has officially begun. Today, WAYDS Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Mental Health Hospital, and international partners, has officially launched the Tanzania Mental Health Summit 2025 — a landmark event aimed at reshaping the national dialogue and policy on mental health.
Held in Kahama, Shinyanga Region, the press launch marks the beginning of a two-day summit scheduled for 30th and 31st May 2025, under the powerful theme: “Hatua Shirikishi na Jumuishi: Kukuza Ushirikiano Katika Afya ya Akili kwa Maendeleo Endelevu.” (“Inclusive and Collaborative Actions: Advancing Mental Health for Sustainable Development”). The guest of Honor for the Summit will be Hon. Jenista Mhagama, Minister of Health, United Republic of Tanzania.
Speaking
at the press conference, Mr. Charles
Deogratius, Founder and Executive Director of WAYDS and National
Coordinator of the Summit, emphasized the urgent need for national investment
in mental health:
“Tanzania cannot afford to sideline mental health any longer. This summit is a unified platform to bring together young people, health professionals, government, and global partners to craft inclusive, transformative solutions.”
In a passionate speech, the Regional Medical Officer (RMO) for Shinyanga Region emphasized the urgent need to recognize mental health as a public health and developmental priority.
“Tunapozungumza afya ya akili, tunazungumza ustawi wa jamii. Afya ya akili inagusa kila familia, kila kaya, na kila mtu.”
“Tunaunga mkono juhudi za WAYDS na tunatoa rai kwa viongozi wa kisiasa, kijamii, na kiimani kushirikiana kwa pamoja kutengeneza mazingira yenye tija kwa afya ya akili nchini.”
The
RMO reaffirmed the region's full support in ensuring the summit’s success and
in championing mental wellness across communities — especially among youth and
women.
The summit is co-hosted with support from notable partners including: Embassy of Sweden, Foundation Botnar, WHO, Vitol Foundation, UNFPA, Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), Science for Africa Foundation, and Africa Academy for Public Health, Grand Challenges Canada, United for Global Mental Health and. Save the Children International.
And leading Tanzanian institutions like the National Mental Health Hospital, Tanzania Psychological Association, and regional youth movements from across the country.
The summit will convene over 300 participants, including international delegates, mental health professionals, policy influencers, and youth leaders from all 26 regions of Tanzania. Core activities will include: Keynote presentations from global and local experts, Panel discussions on policy and community engagement, Workshops for youth on mental health education, and Exhibitions showcasing local and global mental health innovations.
This summit focus on the following objectives: to elevate the national mental health agenda, to forge cross-sector partnerships to improve mental health services, to equip youth and women leaders with tools for community-level advocacy, and to design evidence-based strategies for long-term mental wellness impact.
WAYDS calls upon the citizens of
Shinyanga and Tanzania at large to prioritize investment in mental health as a critical foundation for social
and economic development.
“Healthy minds build prosperous
nations, we invite everyone to be part of this transformation.”said Mr. Deogratius.
