Economics
With regards that the Tanzania has made strides in economic development, poverty remains a persistent challenge, exacerbated by high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education. To say, mental health is intricately linked to economic outcomes and poverty. Poor mental health significantly impair an individual's ability to work, leading to reduced productivity, income loss, and, ultimately, a deeper entrenchment in poverty. Individuals suffering from mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse often experience difficulties in maintaining employment, leading to absenteeism, decreased work performance, and, in severe cases, complete withdrawal from the workforce. In evidence, World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
In Tanzania, the economic cost of mental health disorders is significant but often overlooked due to the lack of comprehensive data and awareness. Meanwhile in the informal sector which constitutes a large part of Tanzania's economy, mental health problems severely hindering income-generating activities, i.e. farmers suffering from depression may lack the motivation or energy to tend to their crops, leading to lower yields and income. Similarly, mental health issues impair the decision-making and problem solving abilities of small business owners, affecting their ability to manage their enterprises effectively. The Tanzania Mental Health Summit will explore and promote integration of mental health into economic policies and programs for not only as a matter of public health but also a strategic investmenting Tanzania's future prosperity