As part of its commitment to improving youth mental health, T-MARC Tanzania through the USAID Kijana Nahodha project successfully continued to engaged TANZMED to train 347 community health workers, 110 from Zanzibar, 50 from Dar es Salaam, and 187 from Morogoro-on the innovative TanzMED digital mental health application. This training aimed to enhance the capacity of CHWs to effectively address and promote mental health information and services tailored to the needs of young people in their communities.
Mental health challenges among young people in Tanzania create significant barriers that hinder their potential. The USAID Kijana Nahodha project has prioritized mental health as a critical area of intervention, recognizing that youth in underserved communities often grapple with untreated conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma, limiting their social and economic growth. To address these challenges, the project sought innovative solutions tailored to the needs of Tanzanian youth.
In 2023, TanzMED participated in the USAID Kijana Nahodha Social Impact Accelerator program alongside four other youth-serving organizations. This initiative, supported by USAID, aimed to develop solutions for the social, economic, and health needs of Tanzanian youth, providing coaching and mentorship in creating effective work plans and refining organizational policies.
At the program’s Innovation Lab event, TanzMED’s proposal for an AI-powered mental health tool, AminaMD, was awarded a $20,000 sub-grant. “AminaMD is our ultimate patient engagement solution with a conversational interface,” explains co-founder Nyoni. The tool engages users through conversation in Swahili, addressing Tanzania’s unique health challenges.
Using advanced clinical algorithms, AminaMD simulates doctor-patient interactions, rapidly evaluating symptoms and medical histories. This innovative approach helps alleviate the burden of Tanzania’s doctor shortage, particularly in underserved regions where youth are vulnerable to mental health issues. “There are many local health conditions that require local solutions,” notes the TanzMED team.
As AminaMD continues to develop, TanzMED and USAID Kijana Nahodha project works together to ensure sustainability and effectiveness. With over 10,000 users already, AminaMD represents a transformative healthcare solution tailored to the needs of Tanzanian youth. Our vision is to create an inclusive environment where every young person can thrive, harness their potential, and contribute positively to their communities. With innovative solutions like AminaMD, we are taking significant steps towards bridging the gap in mental health services, ensuring that no youth is left behind.” Concludes Dr. Tulli, USAID Kijana Nahodha, Chief of Party.
