Madrid. Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman, has underscored the long-standing relationship between Tanzania and Spain as a foundation for future development, particularly in the public health sector.
During a visit to the De Clinica CEMTRO hospital in Madrid Othman met with prominent medical professionals and specialists to discuss strengthening healthcare services in Zanzibar and Tanzania.
He emphasized that the historical ties between the two countries could unlock significant opportunities, particularly through collaborations that focus on improving public health.
He expressed his belief that such partnerships could lead to greater access to specialized medical care, as well as the exchange of expertise between Spanish and Tanzanian medical professionals.
“We must nurture this valuable relationship between Tanzania and Spain to further the delivery of quality healthcare services and achieve tangible development for our people,” said Hon. Othman. “Bringing specialist doctors to Zanzibar, particularly in the fields of orthopedics, pediatrics, and women’s health, will be instrumental in elevating the standard of healthcare in our country.”
The Vice President’s remarks follow a promise made by De Clinica CEMTRO, a leading medical institution in Spain, to send specialist doctors and medical supplies to Zanzibar.
This commitment is part of an ongoing effort to help build local capacity and enhance the skills of Tanzanian healthcare professionals.
Strengthening health sector collaboration
The First Vice President was received by Prof Dr. Pedro Guillén García, the founder of De Clinica CEMTRO, and the inventor of the Wireless Arthroscopy Device, a cutting-edge technology that allows joint surgeries to be performed without the need for wires.
Prof Guillén reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in healthcare, particularly in helping doctors in developing countries who may lack access to advanced medical technology.
Dr. Guillén emphasized that the collaboration with Zanzibar is part of a broader vision to improve global health standards.
“We believe in the power of sharing knowledge and expertise,” he said. “By bringing our experience to Zanzibar, we hope to support the development of healthcare and contribute to the training of local professionals who can continue to serve the community for years to come.”
Dr. Isabel, a specialist and daughter of Professor Guillén, also joined the discussions. She expressed gratitude to Hon. Othman for his visit and the opportunity to extend De Clinica CEMTRO’s services to Zanzibar.
“We are excited to be able to contribute to the development of Zanzibar’s healthcare system,” she said. “Zanzibar is a place we hold in high regard, and we are eager to offer our support.”
Zanzibar and Spain share a long history of cooperation, and this visit by Hon. Othman is part of a continued effort to strengthen ties between the two regions.
Ambassador Ally Jabir Mwadin, Tanzania’s Ambassador to France, who also represents Spain, accompanied the delegation and reaffirmed the importance of such collaborations for Zanzibar’s ongoing development.
“We are witnessing a new chapter in the relationship between Tanzania and Spain,” said Ambassador Mwadin.
“This partnership holds great potential for improving the lives of our people, especially through the sharing of medical expertise and technology.”
Othman was also joined by Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, and his wife, Zainab Kombo Shaib, as well as other officials from the Zanzibar government.
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Africa: Rwanda Gets a Grip Of Marburg, But Mpox ‘Not Yet Under Control’
Monrovia — The Rwanda Minister of State responsible for Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, cautioned that while the country is beginning to see positive signals in its fight against the Marburg virus, the outbreak is “not yet over”. He, however, expressed hope that “we are headed in that direction”. The minister said the epidemiology trend, since the disease was first discovered in the country more than a month ago, is moving towards fewer cases.
Dr. Butera, who was giving updates during an online briefing yesterday, said in the past two weeks, only two deaths were recorded while 14 people recovered from the disease. He said Rwanda was expanding its testing capacity with 16,000 people already inoculated against the disease.
The priority right now, Butera said, is “rapid testing and detection”.
Marburg is a highly virulent disease transmitted through human-to-human contact or contact with an infected animal. The fatality rate of cases, which has varied over the period, is more than 50%, according to the World Health Organization. WHO said the highest number of new confirmed cases in Rwanda were reported in the first two weeks of the outbreak. There’s been a “sharp decline” in the last few weeks, with the country now tackling over 60 cases.
At Thursday’s briefing, a senior official of the Africa Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, said mpox – the other infectious disease outbreak that countries in the region are fighting – was been reported in 19 countries, with Mauritius being the latest country to confirm a case. He said although no new cases have been recorded in recent weeks in several countries where outbreaks occurred previously – including Cameroon, South Africa, Guinea, and Gabon – Uganda confirmed its first Mpox death. This, he said, is one of two fatalities reported outside Central Africa.
Dr. Ngashi revealed that there was an increase in cases in Liberia and Uganda. He said mpox cases were still on an upward trend.
“The situation is not yet under control.”
Source: allafrica.com
