A China-supported health education initiative has concluded its second phase campaign aimed at raising community awareness and prevention of schistosomiasis in Zanzibar. The intensive outreach spanned schools, households, government agencies, and enterprises since its launch on September 10.
Led by the third batch of Chinese experts under the project’s second phase, the campaign sought to deliver clear, practical knowledge about the disease, combatting myths, encouraging safe behaviors, and emphasizing disease control strategies.
“We hope that through knowledge dissemination, the concept of health will take root deeply in the hearts of the Zanzibar people,” said Wang Wei, head of the expert team. He pledged continued collaboration with local health professionals using interactive formats: video screenings, demonstrations, patient stories, and community engagement.
At the handover ceremony, Khamis Bilali Ali, Director of the Health Department on Pemba Island, expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its sustained support and praised the professionalism and scientific insight introduced by the experts.
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health threat in Zanzibar, affecting both wellbeing and socioeconomic development. The Chinese team’s interventions include introducing advanced technologies, vector control measures, and integrated health education to support long-term disease management.
This campaign forms part of the broader China-Zanzibar schistosomiasis control project, which encompasses surveillance, treatment, environmental control, and health system strengthening to move toward disease elimination in Zanzibar.
