Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi has lauded the strides made by the island in enhancing efficiency within its aviation sector, a move that has significantly contributed to the growth of tourism.
Speaking at the 6th EAC Aviation Symposium, President Mwinyi emphasized the successful implementation of reforms in air transportation, which have enabled Zanzibar to achieve its aviation goals.
Under the theme “The Future of Aviation: Maintaining Resilient, Sustainable, Innovative, Safe, and Secure Aviation Systems,” President Mwinyi highlighted the positive outcomes of various reforms undertaken by his government.
The reforms include the introduction of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for airport services and the expansion and improvement of both Zanzibar and Pemba airports.
“With tourism being a key driver of economic development, aviation plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth by attracting more tourists and boosting trade,” President Mwinyi emphasised.
He noted the efficient operation of the new Terminal 3 at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) which was constructed at a cost of $120 million and outlined plans for the reconstruction and development of Terminal 2, along with the renovation of Terminal 1.
President Mwinyi elaborated on ongoing projects, including the expansion of the Pemba Airport runway, construction of a new passenger terminal, and the development of Nungwi Airport to accommodate the growing number of tourists and businesses on the islands.
Highlighting Tanzania’s commitment to international aviation standards, President Mwinyi underscored the country’s compliance with international agreements and cooperation with partners like the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (COSSOA) to enhance security and efficiency.
He also mentioned the ‘Very High-Frequency (VHF)’ project aimed at improving communication and services at Abeid Aman Karume International Airport, which scored 87 percent in safety and efficiency in the International Safety Audit conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
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