Zanzibar, World Bank assess the implementation of health projects in Isles

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Ministry of Health and the World Bank have discussed progress in implementing health projects funded under the first phase of their cooperation, as well as the possibility of securing an additional US$100 million to finance priority projects, including the construction of a Mother and Child Hospital in Kilimani and the strengthening of safe blood services.

The discussions were disclosed by Zanzibar Minister for Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, following a meeting with a World Bank delegation that visited his office to assess progress on ongoing projects, review achievements and establish strategies for extending cooperation into the next phase.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Mazrui said the World Bank’s funding under the first phase had made a significant contribution to strengthening healthcare services in Zanzibar. The support included the provision of ambulances, equipment for the Central Medical Stores, medicines and the construction of health facilities.

He said key achievements included the construction of health centres in Fuoni and Jang’ombe, as well as continued construction of housing for healthcare workers in Kivunge and Micheweni, Pemba. These initiatives are intended to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals and make health services more accessible to the public.

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Mazrui further explained that one of the priority projects under consideration is the construction of a Mother and Child Hospital in Kilimani, Zanzibar. The facility is expected to increase the government’s capacity to provide maternal and child healthcare, including services for pregnant women, women during childbirth and children requiring specialised care and treatment.

For his part, World Bank Manager responsible for Health Policy in the East Africa Region, Ernest Massiah, said the institution was encouraged by the measures being undertaken by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to implement projects aimed at improving healthcare services for the population.

He added that the World Bank would continue working with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to strengthen the health sector, taking into account existing needs and established priorities to ensure that implemented projects deliver tangible benefits to the public.