Following the Marburg virus disease outbreak in early January 2025, residents in Tanzania’s northeastern Kagera Region are grappling with the emotional and psychological aftermath of the crisis. For many, including Domitina Kahira from Biharamulo District, the road to recovery involves not only physical healing but also addressing the mental health toll caused by the outbreak.
Kahira lost her husband to the virus and faced significant challenges in the isolation center where she was placed for 21 days as a close contact. Though discharged and reunited with her family, the psychological impact of the tragedy and the uncertainty of her future took a serious toll on her well-being.
“I was worried about my pregnancy, my children, and how we would cope without my husband,” Kahira shared. “I kept asking myself how I was going to take care of them and how the community would receive me after everything that happened.”
The mental health challenges that follow health emergencies like the Marburg virus outbreak can be profound. Survivors, healthcare workers, and community members are particularly vulnerable. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside local health authorities, social welfare officers, and UNICEF, has been providing critical psychosocial support to those affected. Approximately 280 individuals who were discharged from isolation and treatment centers have benefited from counseling services, including Kahira. An additional 110 health workers, community members, and others impacted by the outbreak have also received similar support.
Kahira has seen notable improvements in her mental health since receiving help. “The sleepless nights have greatly reduced, and I feel relieved to be back with my children,” she said.
The counseling sessions, which use a “psychological first aid” approach, aim to reduce stress and prevent long-term psychological issues. This supportive intervention is designed for those who have experienced a crisis or traumatic event, focusing on providing immediate relief.
“WHO has witnessed firsthand how vital mental health and psychosocial support are in helping people regain their resilience during and after emergencies,” said Jerry Mlembwa, WHO Tanzania’s risk communication and community engagement officer. “We will continue to work alongside the government of Tanzania and partners to strengthen mental health systems and provide essential services that support both individual and community recovery.”
The counseling sessions are comprehensive, covering topics such as family reunification, stress management, self-care, and, when necessary, referrals for psychiatric care. Participants also receive reunification kits containing household items, food, and health products, as well as early childhood development kits to help children cope through play and learning.
For Kahira, the support she received was crucial in reintegrating into her community. “I feared that my neighbors might treat me differently when I returned home,” she recalled. “But instead, I was welcomed back with love and respect.”
Rebecca Gwambasa, a regional social welfare officer, emphasized the importance of this psychosocial support in healing communities. “Outbreaks like these leave deep scars, but with WHO’s support, we are working to rebuild stronger, happier communities,” she said.
As Tanzania continues to recover from the outbreak, the mental health services provided by WHO and its partners remain essential in ensuring long-term recovery and resilience for affected individuals and communities.
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