UKORC - PROVIDING ACCESS TO COMPREHENSIVE SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT IN TANGA, TANZANIA

Substance use disorder (SUD) has increasingly become a pressing public health issue in Tanzania. There has been a troubling rise in the consumption of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, and opioids among adolescents and young adults. Challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and lack of educational opportunities significantly contribute to the escalating rates of substance abuse. These factors create a vicious cycle where affected individuals find it difficult to escape addiction due to limited access to resources and support systems. Additionally, the pervasive stigma surrounding SUD in Tanzanian society further hinders individuals from seeking the necessary help, thereby exacerbating the issue.

The Tanga Region located in northeast Tanzania is an area that has been devastatingly impacted by drug and alcohol use. The DCEA estimates that a total of 40,010 individuals struggle with drug addiction in this area. However, reporting is limited, and it’s believed that this number may be lower than the actual number of people impacted. Those living in the Tanga Region do not have access to drug and alcohol treatment and often need to travel more than 60 kilometers or more to access care.

The UKORC Foundation is a nonprofit humanitarian organization pursuing its primary goal that every human being is given equal chance to participate in the betterment of our world, no matter how marginalized they may be. A critical component to providing this support is increasing access to equitable and affordable substance use treatment. The UKORC has designed a plan for a new SUD and mental health treatment center to be built in the Tanga Region in late 2025.

KOPI was honored to partner with UKORC on this program and is committed to supporting this organization to help realize their vision.