Unguja. As World Malaria Day is observed, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has unveiled an extensive plan to distribute insecticide-treated bed nets in a bid to achieve zero malaria on the island.
In addition to launching this initiative, which was developed in collaboration with the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a malaria elimination council comprising 19 members from various institutions was also inaugurated.
According to the Tanzania Malaria Indicator Survey of 2022, Zanzibar has maintained a malaria rate of less than one percent for over a decade.
In his address delivered by Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, President Hussein Mwinyi commended the achievement of maintaining malaria infections below one percent, attributing it to the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
However, he emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against malaria to achieve zero malaria.
“This day holds great significance, reminding us to continue our fight against this disease. Let us persist in our efforts to eradicate malaria and achieve zero malaria,” said President Mwinyi.
He urged citizens to ensure the proper use and maintenance of bed nets as directed by experts to ensure the eradication of malaria on the island.
He also urged council members to work collaboratively to ensure the elimination of malaria.
Dr Mwinyi commended the steps taken by the ministry and other stakeholders to control the malaria outbreak that occurred in 2023 due to climate change.
During the outbreak, over 19,000 people were infected, with some hospitalized. However, through efforts and education provided, the situation was successfully controlled.
He praised development partners for continuing to support Zanzibar in its efforts to eliminate the disease.
Meanwhile, the resident director of the United States Agency for International Development, Craig Hart, stated that the campaign, led by the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), will distribute 782,000 bed nets in 314 wards across Unguja and Pemba.
“The United States is honored to join the Government of Zanzibar in launching the campaign to distribute insecticide-treated bed nets in Zanzibar and ensure their proper use. Together, we are educating communities to not only understand but also implement these practices,” said Craig Hart.
He added, “I commend the Government of Zanzibar for also launching the Malaria Elimination Council, which will strengthen malaria control programs by increasing resources to support malaria interventions, in collaboration with the private sector.”
The bed net distribution campaign represents a comprehensive and innovative approach to malaria elimination.
It will utilize an electronic system to track bed net allocations, register households receiving bed nets, and distribute the nets.
Additionally, it will use SMS messages to inform households of the distribution day and provide information on the correct use and maintenance of bed nets.
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Air Tanzania Banned From EU Airspace Due to Safety Concerns
Several airports have since locked Air Tanzania, dealing a severe blow to the Tanzanian national carrier that must now work overtime to regain its certification or go the wet lease way
The European Commission has announced the inclusion of Air Tanzania on the EU Air Safety List, effectively banning the airline from operating in European airspace.
The decision, made public on December 16, 2024, is based on safety concerns identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which also led to the denial of Air Tanzania’s application for a Third Country Operator (TCO) authorisation.
The Commission did not go into the specifics of the safety infringement but industry experts suggest it is possible that the airline could have flown its Airbus A220 well past its scheduled major checks, thus violating the airworthiness directives.
“The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers in Europe and worldwide,” said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism.
“We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift and decisive action to address these safety issues. I have offered the Commission’s assistance to the Tanzanian authorities in enhancing Air Tanzania’s safety performance and achieving full compliance with international aviation standards.”
Air Tanzania has a mixed fleet of modern aircraft types including Boeing 787s, 737 Max jets, and Airbus A220s.
It has been flying the B787 Dreamliner to European destinations like Frankfurt in Germany and Athens in Greece and was looking to add London to its growing list with the A220.
But the ban not only scuppers the London dream but also has seen immediate ripple effect, with several airports – including regional like Kigali and continental – locking out Air Tanzania.
Tanzania operates KLM alongside the national carrier.
The European Commission said Air Tanzania may be permitted to exercise traffic rights by using wet-leased aircraft of an air carrier which is not subject to an operating ban, provided that the relevant safety standards are complied with.
A wet lease is where an airline pays to use an aircraft with a crew, fuel, and insurance all provided by the leasing company at a fee.
Two more to the list
The EU Air Safety List, maintained to ensure passenger safety, is updated periodically based on recommendations from the EU Air Safety Committee.
The latest revision, which followed a meeting of aviation safety experts in Brussels from November 19 to 21, 2024, now includes 129 airlines.
Of these, 100 are certified in 15 states where aviation oversight is deemed insufficient, and 29 are individual airlines with significant safety deficiencies.
Alongside Air Tanzania, other banned carriers include Air Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), Avior Airlines (Venezuela), and Iran Aseman Airlines (Iran).
Commenting on the broader implications of the list, Tzitzikostas stated, “Our priority remains the safety of every traveler who relies on air transport. We urge all affected airlines to take these bans seriously and work collaboratively with international bodies to resolve the identified issues.”
In a positive development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been cleared to resume operations in the EU following a four-year suspension. The ban, which began in 2020, was lifted after substantial improvements in safety performance and oversight by PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).
“Since the TCO Authorisation was suspended, PIA and PCAA have made remarkable progress in enhancing safety standards,” noted Tzitzikostas. “This demonstrates that safety issues can be resolved through determination and cooperation.”
Another Pakistani airline, Airblue Limited, has also received EASA’s TCO authorisation.
Decisions to include or exclude airlines from the EU Air Safety List are based on rigorous evaluations of international safety standards, particularly those established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
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The process involves thorough review and consultation among EU Member State aviation safety experts, with oversight from the European Commission and support from EASA.
“Where an airline currently on the list believes it complies with the required safety standards, it can request a reassessment,” explained Tzitzikostas. “Our goal is not to penalize but to ensure safety compliance globally.”
Airlines listed on the EU Air Safety List face significant challenges to their international operations, as the bans highlight shortcomings in safety oversight by their home regulatory authorities.
For Air Tanzania, this inclusion signals an urgent need for reform within Tanzania’s aviation sector to address these deficiencies and align with global standards.
The path forward will require immediate and sustained efforts to rectify safety concerns and regain access to one of the world’s most critical aviation markets.
Source: allafrica.com
