Zanzibar: Chinese and Tanzanian authorities have inaugurated the second phase of a China-supported schistosomiasis control initiative on Unguja Island, marking a significant step in health collaboration.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the project was unveiled on Thursday on Unguja Island, with key figures present, including senior Zanzibar government officials, representatives from the World Health Organization, and Chinese experts in schistosomiasis control. This phase follows a successful implementation on Pemba Island.

Hassan Khamis Hafidh, Zanzibar's deputy minister of health, highlighted that the project on Unguja Island will incorporate China's expertise in schistosomiasis prevention and control. The initiative aims to enhance local capabilities through a model integrating environmental governance and medical intervention.

Li Qianghua, consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Zanzibar, emphasized the project's success on Pemba Island. He assured that Chinese experts will work alongside Zanzibari officials to ensure the project's success and aid local communities in eliminating schistosomiasis. Li also noted the long-standing medical cooperation between China and Zanzibar, with 682 Chinese medical experts having treated over 2 million patients in the region since 1964.

Yang Kun, director of the schistosomiasis control project, reported a significant reduction in the incidence of schistosomiasis in the demonstration area of the first phase, dropping from 8.92 percent to 0.64 percent. For the Unguja Island phase, the project team plans to conduct a two-week training session for health technicians and complete laboratory equipment setup and material allocation.

Saleh Juma, director of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Office in Pemba, expressed confidence in the practicality of China's schistosomiasis control experience for Zanzibar, citing years of successful collaboration.