Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Health said Wednesday that it is designing key investments to tackle Tanzania’s growing suicide crisis, as new statistics reveal suicide has become the leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 29, with every completed suicide accompanied by at least 40 other attempts.
The announcement comes as Tanzania joins other nations in observing World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, under this year’s theme Creating Hope Through Action.
Government Chief Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe issued a statement acknowledging the escalating nature of the problem, citing World Health Organisation data showing one person dies by suicide every second globally, equivalent to approximately 800,000 deaths annually.
“Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone—a young person, a parent, your friend, or your neighbour. Often, a person who is suffering psychologically does not show it. They may laugh during the day but cry alone at night,” Dr Magembe stated.
“Let us not be silent; people who hide suicidal thoughts need a safe environment to talk and non-judgmental support. We must not ignore someone when they say they are not happy or have no reason to live.”
The announcement comes amid mounting evidence of a mental health crisis affecting Tanzania’s youth. Recent research from the Kilimanjaro region found that 3.3 per cent of secondary school adolescents aged 13-17 had attempted suicide, with female students showing three times higher odds of suicide attempts compared to their male counterparts.
The study, involving 4,188 students across four districts, identified key risk factors including loneliness, anxiety, bullying, and substance abuse. Additional factors contributing to suicidal behavior included physical attacks, food insecurity, and family conflicts. The research revealed that 6.5 per cent of students reported suicidal ideation, while 4.3 per cent had made concrete suicide plans.
Tanzania’s suicide crisis reflects broader challenges across Africa, which has the world’s highest suicide rate at 11 per 100,000 people, compared to the global average of nine. The country’s suicide rate increased by 16.7 per cent between 2020 and 2021, reaching 5.10 per 100,000 people. Recent data indicates over 1,100 cases were recorded between January 2024 and July 2025.
Economic pressures appear to be significant drivers of the crisis. Unemployment among educated youth has created widespread frustration, with many young people unable to find work despite academic qualifications. Social factors, including failed relationships, domestic violence, unwanted pregnancies, and family conflicts, have also been identified as contributing factors.
The country’s mental health infrastructure remains severely strained, with only one dedicated mental health hospital serving the entire population of over 65 million people. Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital in Dodoma operates with just 600 beds in the capital and 300 additional beds in satellite facilities. The nation has only 1.31 mental health workers per 100,000 people, including 38 psychiatrists, 495 mental health nurses, 17 psychologists, and 29 social workers.
In response to these challenges, the Health Ministry is exploring innovative solutions, including mobile technology platforms to connect patients with health workers. A feasibility study is being considered to examine how mobile phones could reduce the need for physical hospital visits while enabling remote monitoring and therapeutic interventions.
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Mental health experts emphasize that over 70 per cent of Tanzania’s population lives in rural areas with limited access to health services, making community-based interventions crucial.
The government’s long-term strategy reportedly includes policy reforms to prioritise mental health, workforce development to increase the number of mental health professionals, infrastructure expansion, community-based care initiatives, and education campaigns to reduce stigma. Improved data collection and stronger partnerships across sectors are also being pursued.
