In a country where mental health has long been overlooked and young people have faced significant barriers to accessing care, one organization is working to make a real difference.

The Tanzania Health and Medical Education Foundation (TAHMEF), through its flagship initiative AHADI Mental Health, is changing the way mental health support is delivered to youth across the nation.

A Personal Mission with a National Impact

Juliana Busasi, the founder and Executive Director of TAHMEF, has made addressing mental health issues a personal mission. Having faced her own mental health challenges, she understands the obstacles that many young people face. “I’ve experienced the stigma and isolation that comes with mental health issues,” says Juliana. “AHADI is not just a project to me—it’s about ensuring that others don’t have to go through the same struggles alone.”

AHADI, Tanzania’s first digital mental health platform, provides culturally relevant and stigma-free care for youth through a combination of digital tools and in-person outreach. The platform includes a mobile app (AHADI App), SMS helpline-15061, and Hotcall helpline-199, which offer 24/7 access to mental health support, including self-help tools, crisis counseling, and professional care

Addressing a Critical Gap in Mental Health Care

In Tanzania, over 80% of youth face mental health challenges, but more than 90% do not seek help due to stigma and lack of access to services. In many areas, mental health professionals are scarce, particularly in rural regions, leaving youth without options for support. AHADI has stepped in to fill this gap.

Through its digital platform, AHADI can support young people in even the most remote areas of Tanzania. The mobile app and SMS/USSD services allow users to access mental health resources and crisis support regardless of their internet connection or location. This has enabled AHADI to reach more young people than traditional services ever could.

“We’ve already engaged over 500,000 youth,” Juliana shares. “We’ve resolved over 10,000 helpline cases, and the impact is clear—80% of users report reduced stigma and 65% report improvements in their overall well-being.”

Collaboration with the Government

One of the key factors behind AHADI’s success is its partnership with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health. This collaboration has allowed AHADI to integrate its services into the national healthcare system and expand its reach to all 31 regions of the country. Through this partnership, AHADI is able to leverage the infrastructure and support of the government to ensure that mental health care becomes a priority in the country’s health policies

“The partnership with the Ministry of Health has been a game changer for us,” says Juliana. “It has allowed us to bring mental health support to communities that need it the most and ensures that mental health is integrated into national health strategies.”

Making a Difference in the Lives of Young People

For many of the youth who use AHADI’s services, it has been a lifeline. Take Mariam, a 19- year-old university student in Dodoma, who used the SMS helpline during a difficult period of depression. “I felt completely alone and didn’t know where to turn,” Mariam says. “But AHADI gave me access to a counselor without anyone knowing. It helped me get the support I needed.”

The success of AHADI is evident in the stories of users like Mariam, who now feel empowered to seek help when they need it most. AHADI is not only improving mental health outcomes but also breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health care in Tanzania.

Looking to the Future

As AHADI continues to grow, its potential to scale is vast. The goal is to reach 10 million youth by 2035 and expand to other African countries. The next phase of growth will focus on enhancing the platform’s technology, improving offline functionality, and expanding partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.

“There’s a lot of work ahead, but we are more committed than ever to ensuring that youth across Tanzania and beyond have access to mental health support,” says Juliana.

Changing the Landscape of Mental Health Care

TAHMEF’s work with AHADI is not just about offering mental health services; it’s about creating a lasting change in how mental health care is viewed and accessed in Tanzania and beyond. By using technology in a culturally relevant way, AHADI is demonstrating that it is possible to address mental health needs in underserved communities, providing a model that could be replicated across the region.

“We want to show that locally-led, digital solutions can meet the mental health needs of young people and break down the barriers of stigma and access,” says Juliana.

The Path Forward

As AHADI moves forward, it will continue to build on the success of its partnerships with the government, universities, and other organizations. With plans to expand its reach, enhance its technology, and secure sustainable funding, AHADI is positioned to make a significant, longterm impact on mental health care in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa.