The nature of the work that Compassion International Tanzania (CIT) has, of course, changed over time– we have adapted to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. But one thing has always remained constant: our commitment to ’releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name’.
Mental Health (MH) is among the major contributors to the global burden of diseases with about 300 million people are afflicted with at least one form of mental disorder worldwide; however, mental health remains neglected in the majority of underdeveloped countries Tanzania included. In sub-Saharan Africa where many people are living in poverty, the impact of mental health has sustained the vicious cycle of poverty in the households of low and middle income countries(LMICs). Given that poverty and poor financing mechanism pose a serious challenge towards access to mental health services in the developing world, interventions that give more attention to the promotion of mental wellbeing and preventing ill health offers cost-effective measures with the highest benefits for individual and society as a whole.
In the medical fraternity, the mental health profession faces the biggest challenges in terms of resource allocation and has the biggest shortage in terms of human resources. The current psychiatrist to population ratio is at 0.0625 for 100,000 people, while 0.0375 psychologists for a population of 100,000 individuals, and a huge burden of mental health care has been carried out by mental health nurses for many years. Tanzania being a resource-limited country, implementation of mental health care is largely influenced by many factors such as the policy on mental health, financial barriers, poor level of health system preparedness as well as the belief system, knowledge, and attitudinal factors on both providers and beneficiaries of mental health care that significantly affect mental health care in the country. In light of this, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Compassion International Tanzania conducted a survey to assess the prevailing situation of Mental Health services in the country.
We are thrilled to introduce you to “Our Neighbor Promise,” a visionary five-year strategy spanning from 2023 to 2027. This transformative strategy is deeply committed to unlocking the immense potential inherent in every child, a divine gift that lies at the core of our mission.
Our Neighbor Promise is a comprehensive strategy, jointly undertaken with our cherished church partners, which embraces seven crucial areas of impact: Health & Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH), Education and Youth Development, Child Protection, Livelihood, and Disaster Management. Each of these facets plays an integral role in creating a brighter, more secure future for the children we serve. Our overarching aspiration is to catalyze holistic improvement and sustainable development for 1.7 million children and youth in Tanzania.
Welcome to the inaugural issue of Rafiki Bulletin, the newsletter that brings you stories of hope, progress, and transformation from Compassion International Tanzania. Our name, meaning “friend” in Swahili, reflects our mission to be your trusted companion in uplifting communities. With stories of hope, innovation, and empowerment, we invite you to journey with us as we build lasting friendships and create a brighter future for children and families across Tanzania. Together, we are Rafiki – your compassionate friend on this inspiring path of change.
