Health experts and policymakers have called for stronger collaboration among sectors to address mental health challenges in Tanzania, emphasizing that joint efforts lead to more effective and holistic care for individuals, families, and communities.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the CHOICE Project Dissemination Program themed “Climate Change and Human Health: Building Resilience through Evidence-Based Policy”, Dr. Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health and the Institute for Global Child Health & Development at Aga Khan University, said mental health issues are influenced by social, environmental, and financial factors requiring a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
The CHOICE Tanzania Workshop, organized by the Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS) an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) brought together government officials, researchers, development partners, and civil society representatives to advance integrated solutions linking climate, gender, and health.
Dr. Bhutta explained that the CHOICE Project, initiated by the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University, Pakistan, aims to improve mental well being through a gender sensitive approach.
The project addresses barriers women face in accessing mental health services while promoting awareness of the link between mental health, gender equity, and social determinants of health.
In partnership with *SickKids Hospital in Toronto, Canada and AKHS Tanzania, the project supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 5, emphasizing inclusive healthcare systems that prioritize mental health as part of overall well being.
“Partnering across sectors optimizes financial, human, and technical resources, avoids duplication of services, and enhances program effectiveness,” Dr. Bhutta added.
Representing the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Health, *Rahib Mashombo, Director of Legal Services, noted that multi sectoral collaboration enables stakeholders to share data, research, and community insights resulting in more effective, evidence based interventions.
He added that strong partnerships between government, philanthropic organizations, and community partners are vital in improving decision making and advocacy for mental health.
Sisawo Konteh, Chief Executive Officer of AKHS Tanzania, highlighted that the symposium was about more than research.
“The realities of climate change, mental health, and gender equity shape how families live and how our nation progresses. Through CHOICE, we are building evidence, inspiring action, and creating healthier, more resilient communities,” he said.
The workshop also showcased the CHOICE Project’s two year achievements, including training 13 healthcare providers in mental health first aid, integrating mental health into primary care, and empowering 23 frontline workers to address gender-based and child violence.
Environmental initiatives included the establishment of the Aga Khan Hospital Microforest, a national tree planting campaign across six regions, and the publication of Tanzania’s first national study on climate change and health practices among healthcare workers.
According to Prof. Muzdalifat Abeid, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at AKHST and CHOICE Project Lead, “By bringing together policymakers, scientists, and community advocates, we foster collaboration that responds directly to real world challenges. Today’s sessions aim to co-create actionable recommendations to strengthen our national health system’s resilience.”
The symposium reaffirmed AKDN’s commitment to environmental sustainability, gender equality, and evidence-based policy as a foundation for equitable development in Tanzania.