From movement to initiative to CBO to to finally operate nationwide as an NGO: Mental Health Tanzania (MHT) has been a driving force in transforming mental healthcare across Tanzania. Emerged in 2014 as a grassroots movement dedicated to advocating for mental health, supporting individuals in need and raising awareness in the process of establishing the Mental Health Initiative. By 2018, the movement which evolved into the Mental Health Initiative and it formally promoted and registered as Community-Based Organization (CBO) operating in Mwanza Region with the name of Mental Health Tanzania Organization. This milestone marked our deepen engagement with communities and our resolve to make mental health awareness, advocacy and services accessible at the grassroots level.
In 2020, our organization achieved a significant transformation by transitioning to a nationally recognized Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002 (Registration No. ooNGO/R/1232).
This has been transformation of MHT from movement to initiative to CBO to finally become the leading Mental Health Institution in Tanzania.
First and long-standing NGO: Today, MHT proudly stands among the first and long-standing mental health organizations in the country— Since its establishment, MHT has played a pivotal role in transforming mental healthcare in Tanzania by:
– Serving as a leading advocate (frontline organization) for revolutionizing mental health services across the country.
– Inspiring, influencing and role model to hundreds of agencies, NGOs, government bodies, and other stakeholders, as well as hundreds of thousands of individuals, to champion mental health advocacy in Tanzania by following the footsteps of MHT
– Setting a standard and motivating other mental health stakeholders to shift the narrative surrounding mental health in the country
Were the ideal partner: Our journey reflects not only our growth but also our steadfast commitment to transforming mental health care for all Tanzanians, making us an ideal partner for sponsors, grant providers, and public stakeholders eager to invest in sustainable mental health solutions.
Our founders: The founders of Mental Health Tanzania have demonstrated exceptional ability in leadership, self-directed, results-oriented, aspiration and extraordinary vision. They have been instrumental in reshaping the landscape of mental healthcare in Tanzania and led the evolution of our organization from a grassroots movement to a nationally recognized institution towards international approach. Our founder remains deeply committed to pioneering transformative change that revolutionize mental healthcare through transformed systems in Tanzania and beyond
Our commitment: From it’s foundation since then, MHT has always been committed to sustain mental health & wellbeing of individuals through intervention and preventive measures such as advocacy, psychosocial support, psychoeducation, awareness, research, training & mentorship. Moreover, providing mental health services as addressing mental illnesses and psychological challenges through psychotherapy, counselling and guidance.
Preamble: The establishment of MHT is grounded to the fact of numerous challenges facing mental healthcare systems, thus mental healthcare is unknown model to most of the population unlike to physical healthcare due to limited awareness, services delivery, accessibility, resources, funds, facilities, governance, researches, regulations, policies, data and records.
The consequences of not addressing mental health conditions at early stage, extends to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives, and finally individuals are dying in the shadow of mental illnesses and psychological challenges.
Beneficiaries: MHT has been working with different groups of people including, children, youths, women, marginalized groups, and all individuals who are not only suffering from mental health conditions and psychological challenges but also people who need mental health motivations for their everyday lives
MHT’s journey is a powerful narrative of growth, resilience, and dedication to transforming mental health care for all Tanzanians