Zan Health Foundation.

Community Counseling Services

We provide access to affordable, culturally competent counseling services in collaboration with trained mental health professionals and paraprofessionals.
• Our services include:
1. One-on-one and group counseling sessions.
2. Mobile counseling clinics in rural and underserved areas.
3. Youth-friendly mental health spaces.
4. Peer support groups for survivors of trauma, abuse, or loss.

Confidentiality, respect, and trust are at the core of every counseling session we offer.
• School-Based MHPSS Interventions:
Zan Health integrates mental health support within school environments to help students cope with stress, build resilience, and thrive academically and emotionally.
• School-based activities include:

• Training teachers in early identification and basic support.
• Life skills and emotional well-being sessions for students.
• Anti-bullying and peer mediation programs.
• Counseling support and referral systems within schools

We work closely with the Ministry of Education and local schools to make mental wellness part of everyday learning.



Referral System Development

Recognizing the gaps in formal mental health care, we are developing a community-based referral system that links individuals to appropriate support at the right time.
• This system includes:

• Mapping of local mental health resources and providers.
• Training community gatekeepers (teachers, leaders, CHWs) on safe referrals.
• Strengthening partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and social services.
• Monitoring outcomes to improve continuity of care.

Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet it remains one of the most neglected areas in public health especially in low-resource settings. At Zan Health, we are committed to breaking the stigma, building awareness, and expanding access to compassionate mental health and psychosocial support services across Zanzibar.


Mental Health Awareness Campaigns

We believe that awareness is the first step toward healing. Our mental health campaigns aim to educate the public, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behavior.
• Our awareness activities include:
• Community forums and town hall discussions.
• Radio programs, podcasts, and social media storytelling.
• Mental Health Awareness Week events and dialogues.
• Distribution of culturally sensitive IEC materials in Swahili.

These campaigns reach youth, caregivers, religious leaders, and the general public, creating a safe space for open conversation and collective understanding.
• Training Workshops:
Zan Health strengthens local capacity by training individuals and institutions in basic mental health and psychosocial care.
• Key Training Areas:
• Psychological First Aid (PFA).
• Mental health literacy for teachers, health workers, and youth leaders.
• Stress management and emotional regulation techniques.
• Child and adolescent mental health.
• Trauma-informed care and self-care for frontline workers.

These workshops ensure that communities are equipped to support one another and recognize early signs of distress.

Psychosocial Support in Emergencies

Emergencies whether natural disasters, pandemics, or personal crises can cause immense psychological stress. Zan Health ensures mental health is a priority in emergency response.

• Our emergency MHPSS interventions include:
• Psychological First Aid during disasters and outbreaks.
• Support groups for affected families.
• Trauma counseling for survivors and responders.
• Integration of MHPSS into disaster preparedness plans.