Down Syndrome in Tanzania:
Culture and Healthcare Challenges for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Annie Wrubel (Spring, 2024)
Down Syndrome in Tanzania:
Culture and Healthcare Challenges for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Annie Wrubel (Spring, 2024)
The economic and cultural challenges in Tanzania’s healthcare result from the enduring impacts of colonization. These challenges include social stigmas perpetuated by cultural misunderstandings that are derived from the lack of information and resources within the Tanzania healthcare system. Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) are the most heavily impacted, especially because iterations of stigma prevent affordable and accessible healthcare services--which can lead to forms of discrimination and exclusion-- thus resulting in an inability to access proper healthcare. This paper seeks to bring to light the current state of healthcare for individuals with IDDs in Tanzania, specifically those with Down syndrome. By discussing topics such as affordability, accessibility, and stigmatization, this paper intends to provide insight into how these systems can be improved within healthcare practices and support community members in Tanzania and those individuals with IDDs.