Date of publication:

08/22/2025

United Republic of Tanzania (the)

Do domestic laws and policies provide access to mental health care services for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?  

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Tanzania has made notable strides in establishing a legal and policy framework to enhance access to mental health care services. The cornerstone of this framework is the Mental Health Act of 2008, which aims to provide comprehensive care, protection, and management for individuals with mental disorders. This legislation addresses both voluntary and involuntary admissions to mental health facilities, underscoring the government's commitment to integrating mental health into the broader health care system. ​

In alignment with the Act, the National Mental Health Policy has been developed to support the integration of mental health services into primary health care. This policy is incorporated within the National Package of Essential Health Interventions, ensuring that mental health is recognized as an integral component of health care at all levels—from primary care to tertiary hospitals. The policy also emphasizes the availability of essential psychotropic medications across various health care settings, reflecting a comprehensive approach to mental health care

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Mental Health Act

    Legal provision

    Section 4.1 - Admission of voluntary and temporary patients into mental health care facilities

    Any person who has attained the apparent age of eighteen years and voluntary submit himself for menta1 disorder treatment, shall be accepted to such mental health care faci1ity.

    Section 4.2 - Admission of voluntary and temporary patients into mental health care facilities

    Where a person who has not attained the apparent age of eighteen years has been received in a mental health care facility, has no parent or guardian or his parent or guardian is incapable of performing or refused to perform his duty, the officer in charge of the mental health care facility shall inform the District Social Welfare Officer of that fact