Chinese experts conduct tropical diseases training in Zanzibar to mark World NTD Day

The expert team of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control project has organized an awareness campaign and a diagnostic training course on Pemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day.

DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The expert team of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control project has organized an awareness campaign and a diagnostic training course on Pemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar to mark the 2026 World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day.

More than 200 people attended the event on Wednesday, including local officials from the health, water, agriculture and education sectors, as well as grassroots healthcare workers and local residents.

Wang Wei, leader of the Chinese expert team, said the activities focused on health education to encourage community participation and reduce transmission risks at the source.

He added that the experts also provided specialized training on the diagnosis of schistosoma haematobium, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on demonstrations to enhance early detection and diagnostic accuracy.

Noting that NTD control is vital to health equity and human dignity, Wang called for sustained efforts toward universal health coverage by improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation, optimizing environmental sanitation, strengthening health education and promotion, and mobilizing broad social participation.

Masoud Sleiman, assistant coordinator at the Ministry of Health on Pemba Island, commended China's long-term technical assistance.

Sleiman noted that Chinese experts have offered practical solutions in disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity building and prevention strategies, effectively strengthening the local primary healthcare system. ■