Preparing peacekeepers for the psychological challenges they may face during international missions.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam on May 18, 2026, TPTC Commandant Brigadier General George Itang’are emphasized that mental health is a critical issue for soldiers deployed in peacekeeping operations because they often work in stressful and dangerous environments.

One of the newly introduced courses is designed to train instructors from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (JWTZ). These instructors will prepare peacekeepers to understand and manage psychological stress, anxiety, and trauma before they are sent to international missions.

Brigadier General Itang’are said the training will also help create a system to monitor and support soldiers’ mental well-being even after they return home from missions. He noted that this is the first time such training has been introduced ahead of a new cycle of peacekeeping deployments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.

A second course focuses on medical trainers involved in peacekeeping operations. The program brings together experts from different countries to exchange knowledge and improve healthcare services for peacekeepers. Participants will also receive special certification required to treat peacekeepers during international missions.

Meanwhile,  Course  facilitators for Mental Health Instructor Dr. Annie Lasway highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and professional support for both soldiers and healthcare workers. She warned that untreated mental health problems can seriously affect soldiers’ work performance, social lives, and overall well-being.

Dr. Lasway added that stigma and limited awareness remain major challenges, both in the military and in society, and stressed the need to create safe environments where people can openly discuss mental health issues without fear or discrimination.