Zanzibar targets malaria-free status by 2030

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR aims to eliminate malaria by 2030, with the government and development partners intensifying joint efforts to reduce infections and protect mothers and children.

Director of Preventive Services, Dr Salim Slim, announced the target during the opening of a two-day technical meeting organised by the Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Programme (ZAMEP).

He said malaria cases have significantly declined, leading to improved well being among children and the elderly who previously suffered repeated illness and anaemia.

Dr Slim noted that the progress is also helping restore social and economic productivity while strengthening the tourism sector due to improved health conditions.

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ZAMEP Director Richard Silumbe said the programme, funded by the Gates Foundation and other partners, has adopted a multisectoral approach involving tourism, water, urban planning and other sectors.

He said the 2024–2025 programme focuses on strengthening district-level capacity and improving coordination to eliminate remaining malaria hotspots in Unguja and Pemba.

Manager of the malaria elimination unit, Mr Shija Joseph Shija, said the government has distributed over 900,000 mosquito nets to households and priority groups, with ongoing distribution to pregnant women and young children at clinics.