Zanzibar rolls out community health workers

ISSA YUSSUFAugust 26, 2025

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Group of doctors standing with their arms crossed while working at a hospital. Expert medical professionals standing at work together at a clinic

ZANZIBAR: THE formal deployment of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Zanzibar is set to expand access to healthcare services and significantly reduce maternal and child mortality, government officials have announced.

The initiative, which transitions former Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) into government-supported CHWs, forms part of President Hussein Mwinyi’s broader commitment to strengthen primary healthcare and ensure timely, accessible services from the community level to referral hospitals.

At a handover ceremony held at Sheikh Idriss Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Unguja Urban-West Regional Commissioner Idrisa Kitwana Mustafa officiated the official introduction of 651 trained CHWs for deployment across the Mjini Magharibi Region.

Having completed six months of intensive training, the CHWs will operate under district and regional authorities.

Their responsibilities include health education, disease prevention, gender-based violence response and mobilising community health campaigns.

Deputy Minister of Health, Mr Hassan Khamis Hafidh said the role of CHWs in bringing healthcare closer to communities.

“Community Health Workers should be the first line of defence in promoting public health at the household, ward and district levels. We believe this initiative will greatly enhance access to quality care,” he said.

The Ministry of Health’s Director General, Dr Amour Suleiman Mohammed said that 1,242 CHWs have completed training across the country, with an additional 1,054 currently in training.

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Director of Preventive Services and Health Education, Dr Salim Slim added that the initiative will help reduce the need for referrals abroad, as prevention and early intervention become more accessible at the community level.

International partners, including WILLOS and D-Tree, welcomed the rollout, describing CHWs as a crucial link between households and health facilities.

They pledged continued support in improving maternal and child health outcomes across Zanzibar.

In the Mjini Magharibi Region, a total of 2-0 CHWs have been assigned in Mjini District, 239 in Magharibi “A” District and 211 in Magharibi “B” District.

More deployments are expected as new cohorts complete their training. During the ceremony, the CHWs also took a professional oath, committing to serve with integrity and dedication in their new roles.