Tanzania

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 9.8 (2019 data). (World Bank)
• Trend Analysis:
  • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Tanzania have been increasing, particularly among youth and men in rural areas.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:
   • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, often linked to financial difficulties, substance abuse, and lack of mental health services.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but suicide attempts among women are often associated with domestic violence and depression.
2. By Age Groups:
   • Adolescents (10–24): Suicide risk is rising due to academic pressure, unemployment, and social stigma surrounding mental health.
   • Elderly (60+): Higher rates among older adults due to isolation, chronic illnesses, and lack of social support.
3. Urban vs. Rural:
   • Higher suicide rates in rural communities, often due to economic hardship, lack of access to mental health care, and traditional stigma surrounding mental illness.
4. Special Groups:
   • Indigenous and Maasai Communities: Face barriers to accessing mental health services, contributing to elevated suicide risks.
   • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face discrimination and lack of mental health support, leading to increased vulnerability.
   • University Students: High rates of depression and suicidal ideation due to academic stress and lack of campus mental health services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Tanzania has been working towards implementing a National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy, with a focus on reducing stigma and increasing access to care.
• Key Elements:
  • Expansion of mental health services in public hospitals.
  • Development of suicide prevention programs in schools and workplaces.
  • Strengthening of mental health education and awareness campaigns.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
   • Example: “End the Silence” – A mental health awareness campaign encouraging open conversations about suicide and mental well-being.
2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
   • Mental Health Support in Schools: Incorporation of mental health education into secondary school curricula.
   • Community-Based Suicide Prevention: Training for village leaders and religious groups on suicide risk identification and intervention.
3. Collaborative Efforts:
   • Tanzania collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and mental health NGOs to expand suicide prevention resources and crisis intervention programs.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:
  • AI-based mental health chatbots for suicide prevention.
  • Mobile apps offering self-help resources, mental health screening, and direct crisis support.
• Community-Based Interventions:
  • Suicide prevention training for teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers.
  • Peer-support networks providing mental health education and crisis intervention in rural areas.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:
  • Suicide is heavily stigmatized, making it difficult for individuals to seek professional help.
  • Traditional and religious healers play a significant role in mental health care, influencing how people perceive and manage mental illness.
• Research and Data Gaps:
  • Limited national statistics on suicide attempts and self-harm incidents.
  • Underreporting due to cultural stigma and lack of centralized data collection on mental health.
• Positive Developments:
  • Government efforts to integrate mental health care into Tanzania’s healthcare system.
  • Increased mental health training for healthcare professionals and expansion of community-based mental health initiatives.

References

1. Tanzania Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children. (n.d.). National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Strategy (under development). Retrieved from https://www.moh.go.tz/
2. World Bank. (2019). Tanzania – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. Muhimbili National Hospital. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.mnh.or.tz/
5. Tanzania GBV Helpline. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.tanzaniawomensnetwork.org/
6. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in East Africa. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
7. UNICEF Tanzania. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Tanzania. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/tanzania/