What is the name of your organization?
TAHMEF
What is the name of your solution?
Ahadi Mental Health
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Empowering youth with scalable, stigma-free mental health services through AI-driven platforms, community outreach, and integrated digital tools.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
TZA
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
In Tanzania, over 80% of youth aged 15-25 suffer from untreated mental health conditions, with stigma and lack of access to care being significant barriers. The absence of affordable and accessible mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, leaves millions without support. This is not only a Tanzanian problem; globally, mental health challenges among youth are rising, with the World Health Organization reporting that one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder.
In Tanzania, there are fewer than 10 mental health professionals per 100,000 people, exacerbating the lack of access. Cultural stigma surrounding mental health further complicates the issue. Our solution addresses these barriers by working with governments to provide stigma-free, scalable, digital mental health services. These services integrates AI-driven tools, SMS and Hotcall helplines, and community outreach programs. Through this approach, we resolve helpline cases and engaged youth in online conversations, raising awareness and de-stigmatizing mental health. This solution has improved well-being among active users, offering essential support and expanding access to care in remote areas.
What is your solution?
Our solution is an AI-powered mental health platform providing stigma-free support for Tanzanian youth, especially in underserved areas. It integrates AI-driven tools, SMS and Hotcall helplines, and a mobile app, enabling youth to access mental health care anytime, anywhere. The AI-powered chatbot offers personalized mental health assessments, coping strategies, and referrals, facilitating quick interventions. For areas with limited internet access, our SMS and Hotcall helplines ensure no one is left behind.
While technology drives scalability, physical presence is crucial in building trust, particularly in African cultures. Evidence shows that physical presence strengthens bonds between healthcare providers and communities, enhancing engagement and health outcomes. Our solution complements digital tools with community outreach programs to address mental health stigma and encourage adoption.
By integrating technology with government channels and national systems, we have resolved over 10,000 cases and engaged with more than 500,000 online conversations, raising awareness and de-stigmatizing mental health among Tanzanian youth. This solution has improved well-being by up to 65% among active users, offering essential support and expanding access to care in remote areas, with potential for global expansion. https://ahadimentalhealth.io
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Our solution directly serves Tanzanian youth aged 15-25, particularly those in underserved, rural, and marginalized communities, who face profound mental health challenges. More than 80% of Tanzanian youth experience untreated mental health issues, compounded by stigma, lack of access, and a severe shortage of mental health professionals (fewer than 10 per 100,000 people).
Our AI-powered platform provides immediate, stigma-free mental health care through combined with SMS, Hotcall helplines, and mobile app, ensuring access even in remote areas with limited internet. These tools offer personalized mental health assessments, coping strategies, and referrals, enabling quick and accessible interventions. Additionally, our community outreach programs play a vital role in combating stigma, educating families, and ensuring digital services are embraced.
This scalable solution transforms mental health access for youth, particularly in the most underserved regions, and holds potential for global application. By integrating digital tools with local outreach, we empower youth to address mental health issues early, improving their well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life.