DEVELOPMENT OF MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES IN TANZANIA - A REAPPRAISAL FORTHE FUTURE

The article traces the historical development of mental health service s in Tanzania From traditional practices through custodial institution s during the colonial period, efforts towards decentralization, includ ing the development of innovative agricultural rehabilitation villages during the 60s and the introduction of primary mental health care dur ing the 80s right up to the present. Available resources in Tanzania, including the traditional healing system, the family and ample arable land were examined as to how these might be used in the care of mental patients and the promotion of mental health in general. The article p oints to real opportunities and a possible course of action for the fu ture. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.