Zanzibar’s 2nd VP reaffirms commitment to PPP in development
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’s Second Vice President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has reiterated the government’s dedication to working with private institutions to address challenges faced by citizens.
Speaking during the celebration of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s birthday, held at the Sheha’s Office grounds in Kizimkazi Dimbani, South Unguja Region, Mr Hemed highlighted the critical role of private organisations in fostering social development.
He commended the contributions of the Mwanamke Initiative Foundation (MIF), which focuses on combating ignorance, disease and poverty, while promoting education, particularly among women and children.
“The government recognises and deeply values the contributions of the private sector, such as MIF, in areas like education, health and economic empowerment. These efforts are vital in helping citizens, especially women, achieve self-reliance and economic independence,” Mr Abdulla said.
He also praised MIF for supporting the government in addressing essential community needs, including providing quality education and healthcare.
The celebrations began with a physical fitness walk and a blood donation campaign aimed at saving the lives of pregnant women, children and accident victims in the region.
Mr Hemed also urged citizens to uphold peace and unity, emphasising that these are essential foundations for achieving the government’s development objectives.
Representing Zanzibar’s Minister for Health, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, lauded MIF’s efforts in promoting women’s economic empowerment, improving healthcare and reducing maternal mortality.
“MIF has consistently been at the forefront of tackling challenges hindering national development and ensuring Tanzanian women have access to developmental opportunities,” said Ms Riziki.
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MIF Chairperson, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is the daughter of President Samia, explained that the event’s activities included a walk to encourage physical exercise as a way to improve health and combat the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
“MIF is committed to fighting the enemies of disease, poverty and ignorance by reaching Tanzanians wherever they are and equipping them with tools to overcome these barriers for national development,” Ms Wanu said.
She emphasised the theme of the event, “My Heart, My Life,” which aimed to raise awareness of healthy living to prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The theme also encouraged citizens to participate in safe blood donation drives to save lives.
As part of the celebrations, MIF donated four ambulances, two for hospitals in Unguja and two for Pemba and 50 wheelchairs for people with special needs.
Ms Wanu urged the recipients to take good care of the equipment to ensure its longevity and continued benefit to the community.
The event highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals and improving the lives of Zanzibar’s citizens.
