Mwinyi’s 100 days: Zanzibar posts health gains

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has recorded significant progress in the health sector during the first 100 days of President Hussein Mwinyi’s administration, with notable improvements in service delivery, infrastructure and maternal and child health.

Presenting the report to the media, Acting Minister for Health, Saada Mkuya Salum, said the achievements reflect strong government commitment and collaboration with development partners to improve healthcare services across the Isles.

Among the key milestones is a notable reduction in maternal and newborn deaths. Maternal mortality declined from 145 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 to 123 in 2025, while neonatal deaths dropped from 13.2 to 10.7 per 1,000 live births over the same period.

The improvements have been driven by increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment and skilled personnel, alongside strengthened maternal and child health services.

Six hospitals have undergone renovation of neonatal wards, while essential equipment, including ultrasound machines, delivery beds and surgical kits, has been procured.

The government has also expanded emergency referral systems to reduce delays in accessing care. This includes the introduction of five specialised boats for transporting patients from small islets, as well as the procurement of 20 new ambulances, increasing the fleet from 18 in 2024 to 38 in 2026.

In efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare, vaccination coverage has improved significantly. Cervical cancer vaccination among girls increased from 94 per cent in 2023 to 96 per cent in 2025, while more pregnant women are attending antenatal clinics earlier and more frequently, contributing to safer pregnancies and deliveries.

The ministry has also intensified nutrition programmes, including the expansion of school feeding initiatives and public awareness campaigns. Over a threemonth period, at least 20 nutrition-related programmes were aired through various media platforms.

On infrastructure, the government is implementing major projects to expand and modernise healthcare facilities. Construction is underway for four regional hospitals in Unguja and Pemba, while the expansion of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital is expected to enhance referral services upon completion in 2027.

Additionally, 16 primary healthcare centres are nearing completion and are expected to become operational in early 2026, supported by a government allocation of 20bn/-.

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A further 35 dispensaries are also under construction to bring services closer to communities.

Access to essential medicines has improved, with availability reaching 82 per cent in primary health facilities, 84 per cent in district hospitals and 98 per cent in regional hospitals up from 63 per cent in 2023. The health workforce has also expanded, with the number of specialist doctors rising to 136.

The doctor-to-patient ratio has improved significantly, nearly halving from one doctor per 6,272 patients to one per 2,963 patients.

In line with digital transformation, the Ministry has integrated multiple electronic health information systems to improve data collection and service planning.

The number of health facilities using electronic systems has increased significantly, enhancing efficiency and decision-making.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Health Services Fund has registered over 990,000 members, representing nearly half of the population, as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.

Minister Mkuya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services and called on citizens to enroll in the health insurance scheme to ensure financial protection against medical expenses.

She attributed the sector’s progress to strong partnerships with international organisations and friendly nations, noting that continued collaboration will be key to sustaining the gains and achieving long-term health goals.