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.
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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?
What People Say About Us
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
Emanuel Chengo Munyaya
Mijikenda rights activist
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