By: Shawn Mars
December 13th, 2024 – A groundbreaking mental health training series is equipping professionals in Tanzania with critical tools to tackle the region’s most pressing mental health challenges. This transformative initiative, spearheaded by U.S.-based psychologist Dr. Charissa D. Pizarro, is the culmination of her participation in the American Psychological Association’s (APA) International Learning Partner Program (ILPP) in January 2024. Inspired by her experience, Dr. Pizarro has dedicated herself to bridging critical gaps in mental health care while fostering culturally attuned practices and cross-border collaboration between professionals.
The ILPP, managed by the APA’s Office of International Affairs, serves as a unique platform for psychology professionals worldwide to exchange insights, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions. As part of the program’s immersive visit to Tanzania, participants were confronted with staggering disparities in the nation’s mental health infrastructure. The ratio of mental health professionals to residents paints a grim picture, with only 0.06 psychiatrists and 0.01 psychologists available per 100,000 people. This severe shortage poses a tremendous challenge for a country with a population exceeding 63 million—a stark reality that underscores the urgent need for action.
“Time and again, we saw the strain on agencies and universities to meet the needs of trauma survivors, especially children and families,” Dr. Pizarro recalled. She was particularly struck by an encounter with a local organizational leader who voiced frustration over the limited resources available to victims of abuse. “Perpetrators often receive treatment, yet victims—those most in need of care—are frequently left without support,” she recounted. The stark inequities in care delivery served as a catalyst for Dr. Pizarro to develop solutions that could address these systemic shortcomings.
As the Member-at-Large of Task Force and Diversity Initiatives for the APA’s Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice (Division 37), Dr. Pizarro leveraged her expertise and network to launch a Diversity Initiative focused on empowering Tanzanian mental health professionals. Partnering with local organizations and drawing on insights gained during the ILPP, she spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive, seven-part training series. These workshops were carefully designed to address foundational trauma care while incorporating cultural sensitivity, ensuring the content resonated deeply with Tanzanian professionals and the communities they serve.
The training series covers an impressive range of topics tailored to the needs of the region, including Play Therapy for Trauma Survivors, Parenting through Cultural Lenses, Addressing Child Abuse and Neglect, Suicide Prevention, Domestic Violence Advocacy, Trauma-Informed Community Practices, and Disaster Mental Health Preparedness. Additionally, the program features the contributions of a regional expert with extensive experience across Kenya and other neighboring countries. This expertise brings critical context to the discussions and enhances the applicability of the training for professionals working in diverse environments.
The response from Tanzanian professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. “Participants have expressed immense gratitude for the practical tools and knowledge they’ve gained,” Dr. Pizarro shared. Many attendees have already begun implementing the strategies in their work, while others have sought further guidance to address the pervasive issue of abuse. One participant described the workshops as “essential in creating systems that protect vulnerable children and women,” highlighting their transformative potential.
Despite the program’s early success, Dr. Pizarro acknowledges that there is much more to be done. “Raising awareness is just the beginning. Expanding this model to neighboring countries could amplify its effect, though it will require substantial coordination and resources,” she explained. Plans are already underway to secure grants and strengthen collaborative efforts to ensure the program’s sustainability and scalability.
As Tanzania continues to confront significant mental health challenges, this innovative training series marks an important step forward. By equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge they need, the initiative is building resilience, fostering healing, and creating a foundation for meaningful change in communities facing adversity. Dr. Pizarro’s vision for scaling the program beyond Tanzania reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing mental health disparities on a global scale, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind.
Published by Zane L.
