Help us stop the stigma
Against people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders
The campaign is a collaboration between people with lived experience , the County Government of Kilifi, Malindi Disctrict Cultural Association and Documentary Institute of Eastern Africa
A MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN KILIFI COUNTY
Difu Simo, which means “Breaking Free” in the Kigiriama language, is a non-governmental organization based in Kilifi County, Kenya. Initially launched as a research project funded by the Wellcome Trust in 2019, it has evolved into a comprehensive mental and brain health resource center jointly run with the County Government of Kilifi. Our mission is to raise awareness, combat stigma, and foster early intervention for mental and neurological disorders through innovative, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Difu Simo uniquely bridges the gap between biomedical and traditional health practices. Through creative arts, participatory methods, and collaboration with stakeholders from diverse sectors, we empower communities to openly address the stigma surrounding mental health and improve access to care for individuals living with these conditions.
Difu Simo in Numbers
Number of community members engaged during the mental health awareness engagements

Mental health awareness walks




The mission of our organization
Our mission is to raise awareness, combat stigma, and foster early intervention for mental and neurological disorders through innovative, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive approaches.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

How we help?
What are we doing to empower our communities?

Programs and Initiatives
Interactive workshops and events to educate communities about mental health. Targeted initiatives to reach underserved areas.

Research and Innovation
We collaborate with academic and research institutions to conduct studies and apply innovative methods to improve mental health awareness.

Training and Capacity Building
Training programs for people with lived experence to build their resilience against stigmatising attitudes and discriminatory behaviour
Publications
Effectiveness of participatory video in lowering stigma against people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders in Kenya
Various Authors
Priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders in rural Kenya
Various authors
Validating measures of stigma against those with mental illness among a community sample in Kilifi Kenya
Various authors
What can you do to help?
-
Donate Now
Support mental health in Kilifi! Your donation helps provide essential care, fight stigma, and empower communities through culturally sensitive approaches. Give today and make a difference.
-
Take Action
Get involved! Volunteer, advocate, or join our creative programs to raise awareness and support those affected by mental health challenges. Together, we can break the stigma.
-
Become a Partner
Collaborate with us! We work with organizations, healthcare providers, and community leaders to improve mental health care access and equity. Partner with us for lasting impact.
-
Donate Now
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisi cing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut abore et dolore magna
-
Take Action
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisi cing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut abore et dolore magna
-
Become a Partner
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisi cing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut abore et dolore magna
What People Say About Us
Belli Smith
Belli Smith
Belli Smith
Belli Smith
Meet the team of people making it happen

Nuru Kibirige

Dr Mary Bitta

Simone Grassi

Joseph Mwarandu

Samuel Mturi

Jackie Adhiambo

Emmanuel Munyaya

Edwin Kiritu

Prof. Charles Newton

Judy Baariu

James Kahindi

Loice Nzara

Dr Mary Bitta

Dr Mary Bitta

Dr Mary Bitta

Dr Mary Bitta

James Kahindi

Onyango Otieno

Joseph Karisa Mwarandu
Mijikenda rights activist
Joseph is a Giriama lawyer and the Secretary General of the Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA). As a representative of the Mijikenda Kaya Elders, he has been promoting traditional culture initiatives and advocating for human rights issues during the last two decades.

Emanuel Chengo Munyaya
Mijikenda rights activist
Emanuel is the Chairman of the Malindi District Cultural Association (MADCA). He is also a representative of the indigenous faith (ATR) in Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics representing the Mijikenda and other indigenous faith in the region. He has been leading traditional peace walk campaigns on the Kenyan coast for the past ten years.
DIFUSIMO A JOINT INITIATIVE BETWEEN



News and Updates
Read latest news and Blogs
Insights on mental health topics, challenges in rural areas, and innovative solutions.
This Valentine’s Day, Difu Simo chose to celebrate in a different way—by engaging young men in Kilifi County on
On October 8th, 2024, in celebration of World Mental Health Day, the County Government of Kilifi officially launched the Difu