Strengthening Health in Zanzibar: A Collaborative Effort on World Health Day

Understanding the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in Zanzibar: A Comprehensive Survey

In observance of World Health Day, celebrated annually on 7 April, the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar, through its Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Division, has entered into a partnership with Pharm Access for the purpose of conducting a comprehensive survey on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes and high blood pressure. This initiative highlights the necessity of addressing NCDs, which represent a significant and growing concern in Zanzibar and globally.

The Survey and Its Significance

The survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Pharm Access represents a crucial step in the process of understanding the prevalence and impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Zanzibar. Non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, represent a significant public health challenge that necessitates sustained efforts and strategic interventions. The data collected from this survey will provide invaluable insights into the current health status of the population, thus facilitating the formulation of effective policies and programmes to combat these diseases.

In her remarks, Dr. Faiza Abasi of Pharm Access underscored the considerable impact of NCDs on the community, emphasizing that these diseases result in a significant loss of workforce and productivity. The objective of the survey is to ascertain the prevalence of these diseases and to develop targeted strategies to mitigate their effects.

Government and Stakeholder Collaboration

The efficacy of health initiatives such as this survey is contingent upon the establishment of a collaborative framework between the government and a multitude of stakeholders. The Ministry of Health, under the direction of Minister Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, has underscored the necessity for collective action to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This encompasses not only government agencies but also non-governmental organisations, community leaders, and international partners.

Pharm Access, an organisation dedicated to improving access to quality health services, has been instrumental in supporting the Ministry’s efforts in this regard. The collaboration between the aforementioned parties extends beyond the administration of surveys to encompass the delivery of health education, the training of community health workers, and the establishment of support groups for patients with NCDs.

Commendation from the Deputy Speaker

In a related development, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Zanzibar, Mgeni Hassan Juma, has expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support in various sectors, particularly in the field of healthcare. The Chinese government’s assistance has been instrumental in improving healthcare services in Zanzibar, particularly in the fight against cancer.

Deputy Speaker Juma acknowledged the significant contributions of the Chinese government, which include the provision of medical equipment, training for healthcare professionals, and the establishment of specialised cancer treatment facilities. This support has considerably enhanced the capability of the Zanzibar health sector to confront intricate health issues.

The Way Forward

The joint initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Pharm Access, and international partners such as the Chinese government illustrate the significance of a unified strategy in addressing health-related issues. As Zanzibar continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, the focus on non-communicable diseases remains a priority. The data obtained from the recent survey will be instrumental in the formulation of future health policies and the assurance of both efficacy and sustainability of interventions.

World Health Day serves to highlight the necessity of ongoing efforts to improve health outcomes. The initiatives in Zanzibar, which are supported by local and international partners, demonstrate a commitment to the construction of a healthier future for all citizens. By addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing healthcare services, Zanzibar is taking significant steps towards achieving better health and well-being for its population.

Tanzania Media