Unguja. The First Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, has called attention to the island’s untapped wealth, emphasizing that unlocking these resources could significantly elevate Zanzibar’s economic status and foster growth across the region.
Othman made these remarks on April 5, 2025, during the opening of the “Misali Holy Island as a Sacred Gift for a Living Planet” (Al-mizan) conference, a major initiative aimed at promoting conservation and ecotourism on Zanzibar.
The Al-mizan project is focused on environmental education, advocating for the integration of conservation efforts, the Blue Economy, and ecotourism as essential components of Zanzibar’s broader national development plan.
In his speech, Othman referenced a historic event from 1911, when the British government dispatched Captain Bristol and his crew to map Pemba Island and the Misali Island nature reserve.
He highlighted that the cultural and historical significance of Misali Island is unparalleled across the entire Indian Ocean region, stretching from the Horn of Africa to Cape Town, South Africa.
“Sometimes, we fail to recognize the wealth that lies beneath our own feet,” Othman remarked. “It is essential that we use the wisdom and teachings of the Qur’an to promote environmental conservation, ensuring a sustainable future for the island and its people.”
While acknowledging the challenges in managing the Blue Economy, ecotourism, and environmental conservation, Othman stressed that the Zanzibar government remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to create an environment conducive to community development and economic growth.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of ethical investment in the islands. He pointed out that sustainable development must reflect the island’s cultural and moral values, particularly through community inclusion at all levels.
“The Al-mizan project presents a critical opportunity for Zanzibar’s development,” Soraga said, “but this must be done with full respect for local traditions and in alignment with Islamic principles.”
Sheikh Abdullah Talib Abdullah, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Endowment and Trust Property Commission, highlighted the importance of environmental conservation as a means to enhance life and protect the natural beauty of the world.
He also reminded attendees that ecotourism, which honors ethical standards, is a blessing from Allah and a duty underscored by Islamic teachings. However, he warned that neglecting these values has contributed to widespread challenges, including the ongoing crisis of climate change.
“I urge the Government and environmentalists to adhere to these religious principles to protect the flora and fauna of Zanzibar’s islands,” Sheikh Abdullah said.
Mark Bryant from the International Islamic Environmental Education and Conservation Science Program (IFEES) also gave a presentation about the Al-mizan project, emphasizing the need for Zanzibar to safeguard its natural heritage through responsible investments that honor cultural and ethical values.
He stressed that such efforts would create a sustainable foundation for long-term economic prosperity that benefits both current and future generations.
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
