Education
While 40% of Africa’s population is under the age of 15 and in Tanzania out of 67.4 Million’ total population, young people aged 10 – 24 accounts to 33% in 2023; one quarter of adolescents in Sab-Saharan Africa experience depression or suicidal thoughts, and in Tanzania, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidality are the top mental health issues affecting in particular young people aged 10 – 24. Overall, Mental health problems are increasingly recognized as a barrier to educational attainment in Tanzania. The Tanzanian National Mental Health Survey indicates that a significant proportion of children and adolescents suffer from mental health issues, which are often undiagnosed and untreated.
As these issues can lead to poor concentration, absenteeism, low academic performance, and early school leaving; the Tanzania Mental Health Summit will explore and promote integration of mental health services into the education system and creation of supportive environment for students.