Exim Bank Tanzania has officially handed over a fully renovated Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), marking another milestone in its ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting mental wellness across the country.
The renovation, carried out under the Bank’s flagship community investment program ‘Exim Cares,’ forms part of its broader vision to strengthen Tanzania’s health systems by creating safer, more inclusive, and dignified environments for vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people facing mental health challenges.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Exim Bank’s Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Shani Kinswaga, said the project is a continuation of the Bank’s deliberate efforts to drive positive social change through long-term investments in health and well-being.
Also, add that we are not just a bank that just does financial services, we are also a part of the big picture in making the community grow, and we have started with mental health.
“At Exim Bank, we are not just a bank that does financial services; we are also a part of the big picture in making the community grow, and we have started with mental health. We believe that mental health is not just a medical issue, but a social and economic priority. This renovated unit represents more than just infrastructure; it reflects our collective responsibility to build hope and dignity for the next generation,” said Mr. Kinswaga.
“Through Exim Cares, we have committed to mobilizing TSh 300 million over the next three years to support mental health infrastructure and awareness initiatives across Tanzania. The partnership with Muhimbili National Hospital is part of that wider vision to make mental health care more accessible, effective, and compassionate,” he added.
Mr. Kinswaga also acknowledged the contribution of the Bank’s insurance partners, such as Alliance General, Strategis General, Heritage Insurance Co., Alliance Life, and MUA who have joined hands with Exim Bank through the Bima Festival – Amsha Matumaini initiative. The campaign seeks to raise awareness, fight stigma, and mobilize resources towards mental health support and care.
“Our collaboration with partners from the insurance sector is a strong demonstration of what public-private partnerships can achieve when driven by shared purpose. Together, we are not only improving facilities but also amplifying national conversations around mental wellness,” he said.
Receiving the renovated facility, Muhimbili National Hospital Executive Director, Dr. Delillah Charles Kimambo, expressed gratitude to Exim Bank for its continued partnership and support in strengthening healthcare systems.
“This renovated Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit comes at a critical time when mental health cases among young people are increasing across the country,” said Dr. Kimambo.
“The improvements made to this facility will enable us to provide more comprehensive, compassionate, and dignified care to our patients. On behalf of Muhimbili National Hospital, I would like to commend Exim Bank for its consistency in supporting public health institutions and for recognising mental health as an integral part of our national wellbeing,” she added.
The refurbished unit features upgraded patient wards, consultation rooms, therapy and counselling areas, and staff offices, equipped with modern fittings and a redesigned layout that creates a calm, safe, and child-friendly atmosphere. The new environment is designed to promote healing and recovery for children and adolescents living with mental health challenges.
Exim Bank’s intervention follows growing concern over the rising number of mental health cases in Tanzania. According to the Ministry of Health, mental health patients have increased from 386,000 in 2012 to more than 2 million in 2021, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and awareness programmes.
Through Exim Cares, the Bank has over the years implemented impactful community projects nationwide – including blood donation drives, educational support initiatives, financial literacy training for women and youth through the Women Empowerment Programme (WEP), and environmental conservation campaigns. Health remains one of its five key focus areas, alongside Education, Environment, Social Investment, and Innovation.
The Bank reaffirmed that the renovation of the Muhimbili unit is not an isolated project but part of an ongoing journey to strengthen national healthcare systems through sustainable investments and collaborative action.
“We are proud to be part of this story of hope,” concluded Mr. Kinswaga. “When the private sector and public institutions work together for the greater good, the result is a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Tanzania.”
