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.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Tanzania’s path to 4Rs: The President Samia’s era
Tanzania has embarked on a journey of resilience, rebuilding, reconciliation, and reform under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.Continue Reading
European Union Bans Air Tanzania Over Safety Concerns
Kampala — The European Commission added Air Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List, banning the airline from operating within European Union airspace. This decision follows the denial of Air Tanzania’s Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), citing significant safety deficiencies.
The EU Air Safety List includes airlines that fail to meet international safety standards. Commissioner Tzitzikostas emphasized the importance of passenger safety, stating: “The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards. We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift action to address these safety issues. The Commission has offered its assistance to Tanzanian authorities to enhance safety performance and achieve compliance with international aviation standards.”
Air Tanzania joins several African airlines banned from EU airspace, including carriers from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya. Notable names include Congo Airways, Sudan Airways, and Kenyan carriers Silverstone Air Services and Skyward Express. The ban reflects the EU’s strict approach to aviation safety worldwide.
Source: allafrica.com
Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.
Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
