At the acupuncture therapy unit of Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar, Fatma Ally Abdallah, a local Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, is transforming lives by blending acupuncture and local healing methods. Abdallah joined the hospital’s acupuncture department in 2021 after training under visiting Chinese medical teams.
Each year, Chinese doctors bring new expertise, teaching different acupuncture points targeting conditions like sciatica, facial paralysis, and the effects of stroke. Abdallah reports treating about 90 patients per month, most of them women, for relief and rehabilitation.
Her passion for healing was sparked by curiosity in local therapies including massage and cupping. Over time, this grew into a calling to serve her community, not just through physical care but through empowerment.
Bai Xinyu, a female TCM doctor at the hospital emphasizes health equality, saying that combining TCM with modern methods can respect cultural sensitivities and improve outcomes for many women who might otherwise feel hesitant. “As a woman, I understand the cultural taboos local female patients face. Combining acupuncture with modern medicine respects their customs while ensuring effective treatment,” she said.
Another Chinese expert, Zhou Fang, stresses the long-term goal: to train local practitioners to become independent. Their mission includes regular supervision, hands-on training, and shared work in the clinic so TCM continues beyond the residency of visiting medical teams.
Abdallah dreams of furthering her skills in China one day; her story reflects the spirit of the Beijing Women’s Conference and underlines how practical learning, cultural exchange, and women’s leadership are elevating healthcare in Zanzibar.
