Zanzibar meets WHO envoy in talks to advance healthcare services in the Isles

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Minister for Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, has held talks with World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Tanzania, Dr Alex Gasasira, who paid a courtesy visit to his office to discuss areas of cooperation in strengthening the health sector in Zanzibar.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Mazrui said WHO had remained an important partner of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in strengthening healthcare services through technical expertise, training and various forms of support aimed at addressing health challenges and improving service delivery.

He said the partnership was particularly important in strengthening preparedness for disease outbreaks, including Ebola, through establishing effective disease surveillance systems, early detection, timely reporting and enhancing the capacity of health professionals to respond swiftly to contain infections.

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Mr Mazrui added that the government would continue working with WHO to strengthen early warning and outbreak response systems, including raising awareness among health professionals, improving medical equipment and preparedness at healthcare facilities, and ensuring compliance with prevention and control measures to protect public health.

For his part, WHO Representative in Tanzania Dr Alex Gasasira said the organisation would continue collaborating with the Zanzibar government through the Ministry of Health to support efforts aimed at improving healthcare services and addressing various health challenges.

The meeting was also attended by the WHO Representative in Zanzibar and other officials from the organisation.