Unguja. The Zanzibar government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the USAID Kizazi Hodari Southern Zone Project, which focuses on improving the health, well-being, and protection of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), youth and their caregivers in high HIV-burden communities across Zanzibar.
This commitment was reiterated by the Zanzibar Minister at the President’s Office, Regional Authority, Local Government and Special Departments (PORALG SD), Mr Massoud Ali Mohammed, during a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Africa, Ruwayda Redfearn.
The meeting was part of Redfearn’s visit to Zanzibar to gain insights into how the project’s interventions are positively impacting the lives of its Recipients of Care (RoC).
The USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone (KHSZ) Project is a five-year project (March 2022 – March 2027), funded by the American People through USAID and implemented by Deloitte Consulting Limited in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs).
Minister Massoud Ali Mohammed emphasized the Zanzibar government’s recognition of the project’s efforts in addressing the challenges faced by OVCs and youth.
“This project operates at the grassroots level, directly impacting its participants. We understand the challenges faced by children living with HIV, particularly those who have lost their parents. The Zanzibar government deeply appreciates these efforts, and we are committed to providing all the support necessary to ensure the success of your operations,” said the Minister.
In response, Deloitte Africa CEO Ruwayda Redfearn expressed her gratitude for the Zanzibar government’s continued support and collaboration.
“I’m very pleased with the level of support we’ve received while implementing this project. Working with various government ministries has ensured smooth operations. It is encouraging to see the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s role in supporting the USAID KHSZ Project and its plans for sustaining these services in the future,” said Redfearn.
Deloitte East Africa CEO Anne Muraya also highlighted the core focus of the project, stating, “The USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Southern Zone project is child-focused and family-centered, aiming to improve health, safety, education, and stability for OVCs and youth aged 0-17 in high HIV-burden communities. Women play a crucial role in driving this change, contributing significantly to the global 95-95-95 targets aimed at achieving sustained antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression by 2030.”
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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
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