Depression On The Rise In Tanzania

On Thursday Parliament in Tanzania were told how depression is on the rise amongst citizens.

The Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dr Ndugulile noted that the government was aware of the growing problem and assured MPs that there would be centres offering counselling countrywide.

During the same session, the Njombe Urban MP asked what plans the government had to treat people with mental health issues that were a danger to the public?

The Deputy Minister responded by calling on the public, especially those with relatives suffering from mental health problems to enrol in a facility and seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid hurting themselves or others.

"The duty of protecting public health starts from the family level, but communities have been marginalizing the people with brain diseases and allow them walk around the streets," he said.

Equally, he reminded the local governments, district administrations as well as religious leaders on their responsibilities to keep those affected in safe places.

Dr Ndugulile noted that treatment for the people was free, and insisted that such diseases can be treated.