Zanzibar
Country Overview
Zanzibar, an island archipelago off the mainland of Tanzania with a population of 1.1 million, faces widespread poverty and a severe public health burden. About 50% of the population lives on less than $1.25 per day and much of Zanzibar’s population still lacks access to basic services and essential medicines. Zanzibaris are at risk for numerous neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Among rural preschool children on the island of Unguja surveyed in 2008, the prevalence of infection with at least one STH was around 50%; in their mothers, the prevalence rate was around 35.2%. Many Zanzibaris—especially mothers and young children—also suffer from anemia, which is a common consequence of intestinal worm infections.
Current Effort
Zanzibar’s Government is committed to coordinating with donors and engaging in public-private partnerships in order to improve health services delivery. With respect to NTDs, dedicated efforts by government health officials have led to significant advances in their control. Zanzibar became the first sub-national region in Africa to complete five rounds of treatment for LF and to interrupt transmission of this disease, eliminating it as a public health burden. Schistosomiasis treatment campaigns began in 2004 and prevalence rates on the two main islands (Unguja and Pemba) dramatically reduced from 2004 through 2006. In addition, efforts to integrate treatment for the most common NTDs are underway with assistance from international organizations, and a 2006 pilot mass drug administration led to positive results. These successes, however, have not been permanent. Results collected in 2007 indicated that the prevalence of schistosomiasis and STHs in certain areas is high enough to justify further treatment on both islands, and a recent smaller survey from 2008 indicated the prevalence has dramatically increased since the last treatment round.
Remaining Gap
In spite of considerable achievements to date, Zanzibar needs international support in order to leverage efforts by its Ministry of Health to expand existing NTD control programs. Continued treatment for STHs and schistosomiasis among school-age children is essential. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Integrated Helminths Control Program (IHCP) recognizes the importance of continuing to treatment the community through health facilities and school health programs; however, external financial support is needed, particularly to ensure the continued purchase of those drugs not donated by the pharmaceutical industry. As little as $600,000 over three years will provide NTD treatment for more than 400,000 children per year. To support NTD control efforts in Zanzibar, please click here.
