Raise Awareness & Promote Mental Health - Tanzania

Challenge

Low & middle income country's health systems currently fail to meet the mental health needs of its population. Resources available are insufficient, inequitably distributed and inefficiently used, so that a large majority with mental illnesses receive no care. The total economic output lost to mental health conditions has been estimated at USD $1 trillion per year. Patients with mental disorders not only suffer stigma and discrimination, but also a systematic denial of their basic human rights.

Solution

Retired elderly women (Wisdom&Wellness Counselors - WWCs) are trained in Interpersonal Psychotherapy Counseling, employing modern technology to connect with & provide individuals and communities in Tanzania mental health services & support: - One-on-One + Interpersonal Group Therapy with Life-Skills Building - Psychiatrist & Psychologist Referral The WWCs facilitate safe-spaces (Wisdom&Wellness Circles) for people to freely share & let go of their troubles as they find comfort in community.

Long-Term Impact

The project will promote the successful performance of mental functions, in terms of thought, mood and behavior that results in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with others, and the ability to adapt to change and to cope with adversity. Mental health and psychosocial well-being are intrinsically related to physical health, social and community functioning, economic productivity and human rights. (mhGAP, WHO 2008).

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources