The government has urged Tanzanians, particularly young people, to cut down on alcohol consumption and shun illicit drugs, warning that substance abuse can worsen mental health problems and fuel violence and family conflicts.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Grace Magembe said on Wednesday that excessive alcohol consumption was emerging as an issue requiring greater attention, particularly as some young people were taking up drinking at an early age.
She said early and excessive alcohol use could undermine young people's education, employment prospects, family relationships and their ability to participate fully in society.
“Excessive alcohol use is among the challenges that need to be prioritised, especially because young people are starting to drink at an early age,” Dr Magembe said.
She was speaking in Dodoma while opening training for mental health professionals, as the government steps up efforts to strengthen mental health services and place greater emphasis on prevention and public education.
Dr Magembe said excessive alcohol and drug use could also contribute to violence and conflicts in communities.
She cautioned that treating people who have developed severe dependence on alcohol or drugs is not straightforward and often requires professional treatment, sustained support, time and cooperation between families and communities.
The government is consequently seeking to strengthen mental health services at community level, where early identification and intervention can prevent conditions from becoming more severe.
Director of Curative Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr Hamadi Nyembea, said the training would extend to different regions, particularly areas where alcohol consumption and related mental health needs are high.
He said strengthening community-based healthcare remained a government priority, covering areas including reproductive health, child health, family planning, non-communicable diseases and mental health.
Dr Nyembea said health workers were expected to identify mental health problems early, provide initial care and refer patients to higher-level facilities when specialised treatment was required.
“This will help wananchi access services on time and closer to where they live,” he said.
The government also stressed that people experiencing mental health challenges should not be stigmatised or isolated.
Instead, they should receive support from health professionals, families and communities to help them recover and resume their normal lives.
Dr Nyembea said mental healthcare should not be viewed solely in terms of medication, arguing that effective treatment also requires family involvement, community support and attention to the environment in which a patient lives.
The government says prevention, early intervention and stronger community support will be central to efforts to address mental health challenges and the wider social consequences of alcohol and drug abuse.