Zanzibar bolsters capacity of its health professionals in preparedness for disease outbreaks

ZANZIBAR: THE Revolutionary government of Zanzibar has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s health system by investing in the capacity building of health professionals, particularly to enhance preparedness and response to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of an Epidemiology training programme for health professionals, the Director General in the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, Dr Amour Suleiman Mohamed, said 41 health workers had successfully completed the training, including 28 from Unguja and 13 from Pemba.

Dr Mohamed said the graduates will play a key role in strengthening disease surveillance systems and improving the country’s capacity to detect, investigate and respond to public health threats, thereby safeguarding the health of the population.

He noted that the competency-based programme comprised 25 per cent classroom instruction and 75 per cent practical field training, equipping participants with hands-on skills required to perform their duties effectively rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

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The Director General commended the Ministry of Health of Mainland Tanzania, the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC Tanzania, the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and other development partners for their collaboration in successfully implementing the training programme.

Meanwhile, Head of the Department of Epidemiology at MUHAS, Dr Mucho Mizinduko, said the university continues to work closely with the Zanzibar Ministry of Health in delivering professional training programmes aimed at enhancing the competencies of health workers.

He said the partnership has produced positive results by preparing health professionals capable of responding to public health challenges in line with international standards.

Assistant Director for Disease Surveillance and Control in the Ministry of Health of Mainland Tanzania, Dr Vida Makundi, said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of health professionals to prevent, detect early and control disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.