Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has pledged government support for plans to host a major African conference of women doctors in Zanzibar, saying the event will strengthen the health sector while promoting the islands as an international destination.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday when he met leaders of the Medical Women Association of Tanzania (MEWATA) who paid a courtesy call on him at State House in Zanzibar.
The delegation, led by MEWATA president Mary Mwanyika Sando, informed the president of the association’s plan to organise the Annual General Meeting of African women doctors’ associations scheduled to take place in Zanzibar on May 5, 2027.
The meeting is expected to bring together about 400 medical doctors from various African countries to discuss key health issues facing the continent and strengthen cooperation among female medical professionals.
Dr Mwinyi said the decision to host the conference in Zanzibar is important not only for the health sector but also for the country’s economy and tourism industry.
He noted that international conferences provide a major opportunity to market Zanzibar to the world because participants who attend such events often become ambassadors of the destination when they return to their home countries.
Dr Mwinyi also commended MEWATA for choosing Zanzibar as the venue for the continental gathering, describing the move as a sign of confidence in the islands’ ability to host major international events.
He said the Government of Zanzibar is ready to work closely with the association to ensure the conference preparations and its implementation are successful and meet international standards.
The planned conference is expected to provide a platform for women doctors across Africa to share professional experience, exchange ideas and explore solutions to improve healthcare services across the continent while strengthening collaboration among medical practitioners.
If successfully organised, the event will also reinforce Zanzibar’s growing reputation as a regional hub for international meetings, conferences and professional exchanges.
