Human Right
While mental health care is increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right, essential to the overall well-being and dignity of individuals. In Tanzania, mental health care is severely underfunded and under-prioritized. According to the WHO’s Mental Health Atlas 2020, Tanzania allocates less than 1% of its health budget to mental health, reflecting the low priority given to mental health issues in the country. Stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions are pervasive in Tanzanian society. This stigma not only discourages people from seeking help but also perpetuates human rights violations, such as forced treatment, neglect, and abuse in both community settings and health care facilities.
On the other hand, advocating for mental health care as a human right in Tanzania requires a shift in both policy and societal attitudes therefore the Tanzania Mental Health Summit will explore and promote adoption of human rights-based approach to mental health to address the systemic barriers that prevent people from accessing care and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.