Celebrating impacts of China- Zanzibar health partnership

SMILES, gratitude and heart- felt words filled the air at the Stone Town based State House on Monday (August 25, 2025), as President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi led Zanzibar in bidding farewell to the 34th team of Chinese medical specialists and schistosomiasis control experts.

For the past year, the doctors have worked side by side with Zanzibar health workers, treating patients, introducing new technologies and making significant progress in the fight against schistosomiasis a parasitic disease that has long affected communities in Unguja and Pemba.

“I extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the 34th team of Chinese medical spe- cialists and schistosomiasis experts for the excellent work they have done in serving the people of Zanzibar,” President Mwinyi said, noting that their mission went beyond medi- cal care to training local staff and supporting hospitals with equipment and medicines.

The President said he was particularly pleased with the success of schistosomiasis control, which has reduced infections across both islands. “We are optimistic that Zanzibar is moving toward becoming schistosomiasis-free,” he added.

Figures from the Ministry of Health underline the scale of the Chinese contribution. Over the past year alone, the medical mission treated more than 40,000 outpatients and performed 13,000 surgical operations in local hospitals.

Meanwhile, the schistosomia- sis project recorded a notable drop in prevalence, from 1.23 to 0.79 per cent between 2024 and 2025.

Minister of Health Nassor Ahmed Mazrui described the partnership as “an investment in saving lives,” while Permanent Secretary Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji praised the proj- ect’s achievements in both treatment and prevention.

“These doctors have helped us not only by treating patients but also by building our capacity,” Miraji said. “They have shared their knowledge with our health workers, ensuring that this progress will continue long after their departure.”

Dr Dai Yang, the leader of the Chinese schistosomia- sis team, detailed the work his team carried out on Pemba and Unguja islands.

On Pemba Island, his team screened 118,000 people, treated every positive case and carried out snail-control op- erations in local water bodies, which are breeding grounds for the parasite.

They also installed 25 safe water points to reduce reliance on natural streams, thereby cutting infection risks. “More than 90 per cent of Pemba communities now re- cord infection rates below 1 per cent,” Dr Dai said proudly.

“Through health education ses- sions, campaigns and warning devices near water sources, people are also adopting safer habits.”

In Unguja, the team launched pilot programmes in three communities with higher infection rates, completing baseline surveys and treatments while beginning snail surveillance work.

The project also introduced advanced tools, including AI assisted systems to identify parasite eggs and snails, and a rapid urine-based testing platform.

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More than 400 local health workers received train- ing in these methods, with additional groups travelling to China for specialised study. For the Chinese experts, the farewell was as emotional as it was celebratory.

“When I return to China, I will tell my family and friends proudly: Out in the Indian Ocean, on the beautiful islands of Unguja and Pemba, we have true friends,” Dr Dai said.

“Friends who stood by us, fighting side by side against schistosomiasis. Friends as close as brothers and sisters.”

His words drew warm ap- plause from Zanzibari offi- cials and guests. Many noted that the partnership has gone beyond health to symbolise a deep bond of friendship between Zanzibar and China. China’s Acting Consular General in Zanzibar, Mr He Dongyang, reaffirmed that Beijing would continue to sup- port Zanzibar in the health sector.

Even as the 34th team pre- pares to return home, the work continues. The 35th team of Chinese medical experts has already arrived in Zanzibar to build on these achievements.

President Mwinyi assured China that Zanzibar is com- mitted to maintaining and ex- panding the partnership. “We look forward to continuing this journey together,” he said, warmly welcoming the incoming team.

Schistosomiasis, locally known as ‘Kichocho’, has plagued Zanzibar for generations. But through collaboration, science and community engagement, the disease is being pushed back.