UDOM Launches AI Tool for Mental Health Screening

UDOM Unveils AI-Powered Mental Health Self-Assessment Tool

Dodoma, April 2, 2025 — The University of Dodoma (UDOM) has developed a pioneering Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven system aimed at enabling individuals to self-assess their mental health conditions, marking a major step toward digital inclusivity in healthcare.

The AI-powered tool, set to be officially launched in June 2025, will provide users with a convenient platform—accessible via mobile phones or computers—to evaluate their mental well-being and obtain initial professional guidance.

The announcement was made by Professor Godlisten Kombe, Acting President of the Faculty of Lands Sciences and Engineering, during the Inclusive Acceptance and Artificial Intelligence Symposium. The event convened stakeholders across various sectors to address the importance of inclusive digital solutions.

“This innovative system created through one of UDOM’s key projects uses AI to help individuals identify potential mental health issues and access support quickly,” Prof Kombe stated. “It empowers users to understand their mental health status and take informed steps toward seeking professional care, ultimately reducing delays in intervention.”

He emphasized the urgent need for inclusive technology, highlighting that the symposium also focused on the accessibility challenges within digital systems and the strategies required to overcome them for broader societal benefit.

Expanding Digital Inclusion in Online Services

Dr Jabhera Matogoro, Project Coordinator at UDOM, elaborated on the broader concept of “inclusive acceptance,” a forward-thinking initiative designed to ensure equitable digital access regardless of language or script.

“In collaboration with global experts, we are working to ensure that domain names and email systems accommodate diverse character sets beyond the Latin alphabet,” Dr Matogoro explained. “For example, many people globally use scripts such as Arabic, Chinese, or Hindi, which are currently unsupported in many online systems.”

He illustrated the real-world implications of this limitation: “Imagine someone from China or the Arab world attempting to register for services using their native-script email. In some cases, they are unable to access these services unless they travel to Tanzania to complete registration in person.”

Students Embrace AI for Education and Health

Adela Noel, a student at UDOM, shared her personal experience with AI technology, noting its practical benefits in academic and health-related applications.

“AI has already enhanced my learning experience. When used for health purposes, it can significantly reduce the time and effort individuals spend searching for services. With just a mobile phone, people can now access essential mental health support,” she said.

The development of this AI-powered mental health system represents UDOM’s commitment to leveraging technology for societal well-being, while promoting digital inclusion for all language groups and regions.