Zanzibar. Zanzibar is facing a shortage of heart disease specialists, with only four cardiologists in the region and just one capable of performing heart surgery.
This situation was revealed during the launch of Heart Team Africa – Cardiotan 2025 Conference and preliminary life-saving training for various sectors, including tourism.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) and the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the launch on 24 February 2025, Zanzibar’s Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Amour Suleiman Muhamed, expressed concern over the state of heart health services, noting that heart disease-related deaths are largely due to the shortage of specialists.
He said it was important to have more and well trained professionals to ensure reliable cardiac treatment services in the isles.
“Currently, Zanzibar has only four cardiologists, but only one can perform heart surgery. This shows that we still have a long way to go in encouraging more people to specialise in this field to save lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Acting Executive Director of JKCI, Dr Tatizo Waane, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing heart disease diagnosis, treatment, and research in Tanzania.
The upcoming cardiology conference, scheduled for 10–12 April 2025 in Zanzibar, will gather heart specialists from various countries to discuss advancements in heart disease treatment and diagnostics.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, Ahmed Nassor Mazrui, emphasised the importance of emergency and rescue services, highlighting JKCI’s collaboration with the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation to train healthcare workers, hotel employees, and community service providers in life-saving skills.
He noted that improved emergency healthcare infrastructure would boost Zanzibar’s economy by attracting more tourists.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
ACT Unaware of Mwinyi’s joint committee on Zanzibar reforms
Opposition party ACT Wazalendo has said it is not aware of a special committee on reforms and has directed the party’s leadership to follow up on the decision of the Central Committee which directed its leaders to meet with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.Continue Reading
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls
Cracks show as Zanzibar’s CCM ruling party looks to 2025 polls over Mr Karume’s allegation against the administration. Time for the ruling party to take stock?Continue Reading
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
