Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has assured that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) will continue to strengthen the welfare and working environment of community health workers, recognizing their critical role in delivering quality health services across the islands.
Speaking during the first-ever graduation ceremony for Community Health Workers, held at the Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein Hall at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Tunguu Campus, President Mwinyi said the government is determined to build a strong, resilient health system anchored in community-based services.
“Our commitment remains firm we are creating enabling conditions for our community health workers to deliver services efficiently. A healthy population is central to our development aspirations and economic growth,” said Dr. Mwinyi.
The graduation ceremony also served as a platform to launch the M-MAMA emergency referral system a digital platform designed to support pregnant women and newborns during emergencies.
The service, accessible via the toll-free number 115, leverages mobile technology to reduce delays in accessing care.
Highlighting Zanzibar’s long-term vision for universal health coverage (UHC), Dr. Mwinyi noted that the government is working to ensure every citizen, regardless of geographic location, can access essential health services.
“The UHC policy is not just a concept it must reflect in real services reaching people where they live. Community health workers are the bridge between health facilities and families,” he added.
During the event, over 100 graduates from districts across Zanzibar received official certification, marking a milestone in strengthening grassroots health delivery.
Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, praised the milestone, noting that Zanzibar is now better positioned to deliver essential and emergency health services at the community level.
He emphasized that the government aims to deploy 3,000 community health workers to ensure that each serves around 500 households.
“These frontline workers are the backbone of our primary healthcare system. With proper training, supervision, and support, they will continue to transform lives in the most remote corners of our islands,” said Mazrui.
President Mwinyi also extended gratitude to development partners and institutions both local and international for their continued collaboration in strengthening Zanzibar’s health sector.
The event underscores the government’s ongoing investments in health system resilience, especially at the community level, as it pushes toward its health-for-all agenda.
