Kahama, Shinyanga – May 31, 2025
The final day of the Tanzania Mental Health Summit 2025 closed with resounding energy, inspiration, and collective determination to reposition mental health as a foundational pillar for national development. Hosted by WAYDS Tanzania in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, National Mental Health Hospital, and international and local partners, the summit's second day reinforced the urgency, innovation, and unity required to transform the country’s mental health ecosystem.
With over 300 delegates from across all 26 regions of Tanzania, the day delivered a dynamic combination of insights, lived experiences, and transformative roadmaps.
🛬 Arrival: The Excitement Builds
Delegates arrived early with palpable enthusiasm for a lineup of deeply relevant sessions. As the event entered its final stretch, participants were visibly energized by Day 1’s momentum and eager to contribute to the movement.
🔍 Key Sessions That Defined Day 2
🌱 Unveiling Mental Health Challenges Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV
This powerful session brought to light the mental health burdens faced by young people living with HIV — from social stigma to emotional trauma. Youth voices shared personal journeys and called for more inclusive policies, integrated support systems, and community-level action.
🚀 Innovations in Transforming Mental Health Care in Tanzania
This showcase session highlighted emerging tools and grassroots solutions — ranging from digital mental health apps to decentralized care models. Presenters demonstrated how innovation is already improving access, quality, and trust in mental health services in Tanzanian communities.
🌐 Scaling Youth Mental Health Innovations Through Ecosystem-Level Action
Led by Dr. Innocent Yusufu from the Africa Academy for Public Health (AAPH) and Dr. Juliana Busasi, Founder & Executive Director of the Tanzania Health & Medical Education Foundation, this session challenged stakeholders to think beyond isolated programs. The speakers emphasized the need for a coordinated ecosystem that nurtures, funds, and scales youth-led mental health innovations — especially those addressing underserved populations.
🤝 A Collaborative Approach to Strengthening Tanzania’s Mental Health Ecosystem
Moderated by Dr. Mary Mwanyika Sando (AAPH), this engaging panel featured leading voices from government and civil society. Dr. Omary Ubuguyu, Assistant Director for Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, offered a comprehensive overview of current national priorities and how multi-stakeholder collaboration can amplify impact. The discussion underscored that no single entity can shift the mental health paradigm — but together, real systems change is possible.
🌍 Partners Show Up, Speak Up, and Step In
Throughout the day, partners including Embassy of Sweden, Foundation Botnar, WHO, UNFPA, Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), Vitol Foundation, Science for Africa Foundation, Save the Children International, and Grand Challenges Canada reinforced their commitment to supporting local innovations and policy reforms.
Their engagement was not only financial — it was personal, strategic, and visionary.
“This summit proves that we can bridge policy, practice, and people — all under one unified vision,” said one delegate.
💡 A Movement in Motion
As curtains closed on Day 2, what emerged was not just a conference, but a movement — driven by cross-sector partnerships, youth leadership, government commitment, and community ownership.
“Healthy minds build strong nations,” emphasized Charles Deogratius, Founder & Executive Director of WAYDS Tanzania.
“Mental health is not a standalone agenda — it is a developmental priority. This summit was just the beginning.”
📸 A Day to Remember
The summit concluded with deep reflections, smiles, hugs, and renewed commitments. Delegates left with strengthened networks, practical knowledge, and a mission to carry the torch of mental wellness into every village, ward, and policy hall in Tanzania.
📺 Missed It? Watch the Highlights!
