Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr. Ngwaru J. Maghembe (MP), has taken part in the launch of the Strengthening Public Health Surveillance and Resilient Knowledge Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa (SPARK).
The programme was officially launched by Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, in a ceremony attended by key health stakeholders.
Participants included the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), ECSA-HC, the Ministry of Health, and researchers from institutions such as the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
Representatives from African Union member states and countries across Southern and Eastern Africa were also present.
SPARK aims to strengthen Africa’s health systems by integrating efforts against non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders with ongoing strategies to fight HIV/AIDS. The initiative seeks to build a more resilient and healthier continent.
Following the launch, experts will continue discussions during a two-day conference on 27–28 March 2026 in Zanzibar.
Hon. Dr. Maghembe attended the event on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo (MP).
