Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 12th October 2024 – In honour of World Mental Health Day, Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania, hosted a vibrant walkathon through The CHOICE Project, aimed at raising awareness on mental health issues. This vital initiative was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam, Lisa Foundation, DTB Bank, New Now Foundation, with additional support from key partners including Aga Khan Education Services, Tanzania, and The Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam Campus.
The walkathon, led by the Acting Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Gunini Kamba, and Aga Khan Health Service’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sisawo Konteh, followed a scenic route. It began at Aga Khan Hospital, proceeded to Coco Beach, and looped back. Throughout the event, healthcare professionals facilitated insightful discussions on mental health, offering resources and guidance to participants. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance mental health services and workplace well-being, supported by the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). By actively engaging the public, this initiative complements the Government of Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to address mental health challenges and strengthen healthcare systems across the region.
Chief guest, Acting Regional Medical Officer, Dar es Salaam, Dr. Gunini Kamba, emphasised the need for urgent attention to mental health issues, stating, “In recent years, we have witnessed a growing awareness of mental health issues, yet it remains misunderstood and neglected, particularly in regions like ours. As a Regional Medical Officer, I have seen how mental health conditions affect not just individuals but families and entire communities. Today is a call to action: it is time to treat mental health with the same urgency as physical health, fostering supportive environments where everyone feels safe to seek help.”
Speaking during the walkathon ceremony, Mr. Sisawo Konteh, CEO, Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania expressed his gratitude for the collective efforts of sponsors, stakeholders, and the community in making this event successful. He acknowledged that such initiatives are only made possible through the collaborative efforts of all those involved, highlighting the essential contributions of key sponsors like Serena Hotel, Lisa Jensen Foundation, DTB Bank, and New Now Foundation, as well as the participation of various community partners, including Aga Khan Education Services and The Aga Khan University. Mr. Konteh recognized the commitment of the broader community, whose enthusiastic participation demonstrated a shared dedication to addressing mental health challenges. He emphasized that it was this spirit of unity and partnership that made the event not just successful, but impactful in driving awareness and fostering an open dialogue about mental health.
As one of the country’s foremost healthcare providers, Aga Khan Health Service remains deeply committed to addressing the escalating mental health challenges affecting individuals and communities. Through The CHOICE Project and events like this walkathon, we strive to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health, foster greater awareness, and empower people to seek help they need. This walkathon serves as not only engaged the community but also reinforced our commitment to an integrated approach that recognizes mental health as equally important to physical health.
Background of the CHOICE Project Tanzania:
The CHOICE Project, initiated by the Institute for Global Health and Development at Aga Khan University Pakistan, aims to enhance mental health and well-being through a gender-sensitive approach. By addressing the unique challenges women face in accessing mental health services, the project seeks to empower them while promoting awareness of the interconnectedness between mental health, gender equity, and social determinants of health. In partnership with Sick Kids hospital and Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania the CHOICE Project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5, fostering inclusive healthcare systems that prioritize mental health as a vital component of overall well-being.
About AKHST:
Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) stands as one of the pivotal agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), dedicated to advancing health initiatives. Operating as a private, not-for-profit organization, AKHS has established itself as an integrated health system spanning across Tanzania. It boasts robust linkages and partnerships with the Government of Tanzania, primarily through the Ministry of Health, alongside other key national and international stakeholders. The organization comprises two hospitals located in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam, along with 22 Outreach Health Centres (OHCs) spread across 13 regions of mainland Tanzania, and an additional facility situated in Zanzibar Island.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Geofrey Anael
PR Coordinator
Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania
geofrey.anael@akhst.org
+255 654 540 226