Co-Creating & Mapping Opportunities For Digital Mental Health Access in Northern Tanzania

In Partnership with WellPlay (Israel)

Exploring Digital Mental Health Innovation in Northern Tanzania

As part of early-stage mapping for the AI-powered mental health platform WellPlay, I led an exploratory engagement in Arusha District, Tanzania, to assess feasibility, identify local partners, and understand how technology could address critical gaps in mental health support.

Mapping the Potential of Digital  Mental Health Innovation in Northern Tanzania

The Objective

To explore the feasibility of piloting WellPlay, a digital mental health platform, in Northern Tanzania by conducting early-stage ecosystem mapping, stakeholder engagement, and partnership scoping with public and NGO actors in the Arusha District.

The Challenge

Mental health remains one of the most underserved areas in Tanzania’s healthcare system. In Arusha District—home to nearly 1 million people—there is no psychiatrist, and stigma, lack of access, and limited resources leave countless individuals untreated.

The Approach

Working on the ground with local health officials, NGOs, and independent therapists, my role involved:

✅ Mapped Ecosystem – Assessed public sector and NGO infrastructure for pilot rollout
✅ Built Key Relationships – Engaged the Regional Medical Officer and Mental Health Tanzania
✅ Evaluated Feasibility – Explored language, tech access, and workforce readiness
✅ Scoped Parallel Channels – Outlined dual pathways via government and civil society

Results & Insights

✔ Strong local demand for mental health services and openness to digital tools
✔ Smartphone access confirmed among key user groups
✔ NGOs offer agile and scalable channels for pilot implementation
✔ Therapists identified for training and co-design

Looking Forward

Arusha presents a unique opportunity to pilot digital mental health innovation where the need is urgent and the infrastructure is emerging. With trusted relationships now in place, WellPlay is positioned to move toward a locally adapted pilot that could redefine how care is delivered in under-resourced settings.

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