Health experts seek strengthening disease preparedness
ZANZIBAR: HEALTH experts and stakeholders from various institutions have conducted a special working visit to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport and Malindi Port as part of efforts to strengthen preparedness against potential public health threats entering the country.
The visit comes amid a rise in cases of flu and severe fever among residents, while the Union Government has urged citizens to observe preventive health measures against influenza and Covid-19.
The exercise aimed to assess the capacity of border entry points to prevent, detect early and respond to health risks that may arise through international travel.
Authorities say the initiative is intended to strengthen health service systems at border points and ensure the safety of both travellers and the wider community.
The programme is expected to enhance Zanzibar’s readiness to protect people entering and leaving the islands by ensuring effective implementation of disease prevention, surveillance and control measures at airports and seaports.
Speaking during the visit, Border Health Services Coordinator Ms Rukaiya Mohamed Said explained that the initiative forms part of the implementation of the International Health Regulations, under which Zanzibar is working to strengthen public health protection against diseases and emergencies that can cross international borders.
She said the visit allowed experts to assess the actual conditions of health services at points of entry, including available infrastructure, medical equipment and the capacity of personnel responsible for border health management.
“The goal is to ensure a strong surveillance and disease control system at airports and seaports to prevent potential health threats from spreading within the community,” she said.
She added that the initiative will also strengthen Zanzibar’s preparedness to respond to sudden health emergencies caused by dangerous infectious diseases.
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She noted that the programme will bring significant benefits to the community by promoting collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including the health sector, aviation and maritime authorities, as well as environmental and public health experts.
Meanwhile, the Operations Manager of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Ms Mwanamvua Abdalla Juma, said the airport management is working closely with health authorities to ensure all safety measures are implemented for travellers and airport staff.
She noted that airports serve as key entry points for visitors from around the world, making it essential to maintain strong systems to control potential health risks.
“This collaboration between the transport and health sector is very important in ensuring safe conditions for passengers and staff at the airport,” she said.
Ms Lisalile Mwangoka, a health officer from the Ministry of Health in mainland Tanzania, said the programme involves multiple sectors under the broader concept of public and environmental health.
She said the initiative is also intended to strengthen professional cooperation between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania in implementing the International Health Regulations, particularly at air and sea border points.
