Samia praised for touching hearts of Anjouan citizens
COMORO: THE Governor of Anjouan, Dr Zaidou Youssouf has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and The Comorian President Azali Assoumani for their exemplary collaboration that enabled a team of Tanzanian medical specialists to deliver life-saving services to residents of the island.
Speaking during the official launch of a special medical outreach camp on Saturday, Dr Youssouf described President Samia as a motherly figure to the people of Anjouan due to her significant contribution to improving healthcare services in Comoros.
“President Samia is a true role model not only championing development in Tanzania but also extending support to other African nations, including Comoros. Today, we have witnessed her generosity through the doctors she has sent to save the lives of Comorian citizens,” he said.
Dr Youssouf announced that his government will soon establish a formal, long-term partnership with Tanzanian hospitals to enable easier patient referrals and access to specialist care in Tanzania.
“We also plan to send our doctors to Tanzania for professional training. In addition, we are introducing an online appointment system to allow our patients to connect with Tanzanian doctors with ease,” he said.
He used the opportunity to wish President Samia success in Tanzania’s ongoing election campaigns, saying the people of Anjouan are praying for her victory so she can continue strengthening regional cooperation and service to humanity.
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Speaking at the same event, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Comoros, Mr Saidi Yakubu, praised the medical team for implementing President Samia’s directive, issued during her recent visit to Comoros, to deliver specialist healthcare services to the island before the end of 2025.
The Comoros Minister of Health, Ahamadi Sidi Nahouda, hailed the camp as a historic milestone, noting that it is the first time in over 50 years since the country’s independence in 1975 that Anjouan has hosted a medical outreach of this magnitude.
“With over 50 specialists participating, this is a new chapter in our health sector. We sincerely thank our Tanzanian brothers and sisters for their spirit of solidarity and service,” said Nahouda.
Chairperson of the National Medical Tourism Committee and Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Dr Peter Kisenge said that during a similar medical camp in Ngazidja last year, more than 2,700 patients were treated.
Some were later referred to Tanzania for surgery and have since made full recoveries. He added that the ongoing services in Anjouan are offered free of charge, with Tanzania’s Medical Stores Department (MSD) contributing medicines worth 20,000 Euros (about 57.6m/-) to support patients.
“We’ve brought advanced medical equipment, including machines for heart and cancer screening. Besides treatment, the public will also receive education on non-communicable diseases. So far, over 2,500 people have registered to receive services,” said Dr Kisenge.
The medical camp is a reflection of the strong and growing cooperation between Tanzania and Comoros, a shining example of how African nations can support one another through innovation, solidarity and a shared commitment to safeguarding public health.
