Ten percent of Tanzanian youths and elders (4 per cent) of the
country population are said to have mental problems because of various
factors including depression and drug abuse.
An expert with the Sebastian Kalowa University (Department of
Health Science) Prof Joseph Mbatia told this paper in an interview that
the problem was growing bigger as the government makes efforts to combat
it.
According to Prof Mbatia, drug abuse amongst youths is increasing
while the country has a limited number of specialised experts in mental
health at its different hospitals throughout the country. He said the
most affected are unemployed youths.
He underscored the need for the government to come up with better
strategies to improve the livelihood of citizens. He urged that citizens
especially those in rural areas can be assisted to establish income
generating activities.
“The government needs to enhance the fight against importation of
drugs to save youths. People’s livelihoods should also be lifted to get
them out of depression,” he said.
Meanwhile, some youths who are recovering from the use of drugs
currently at the Tanga City’s Sober House appealed to their fellows to
stop using such a kind of drugs since they completely affect their
lifestyles.
Abubakhar Maabadi, a resident of Chumbageni in Tanga town said
youths engaging in drugs fail to accomplish their life dreams thus
ending up being hawkers.
“Once you start using drugs you cannot defend your dignity and you
cannot be productive any longer,” he said adding that staying at the
sober house had helped him to change and restore his self-respect to the
society.SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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