Zanzibar First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman has called for recognition of institutions providing treatment and rehabilitation services to people affected by HIV and drug addiction, describing their work as critical to building a healthier and safer society.
Mr Othman made the remarks on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during an inspection tour of health facilities and drug rehabilitation centres operating under the Office of the First Vice-President.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess the institutions' operations and their contribution to addressing two public health and social challenges affecting communities in Zanzibar.
He inspected the Miembeni HIV treatment, counselling and testing centre, before visiting the methadone treatment centre at Kidongo Chekundu in Urban District, Urban West Region, Unguja.
Methadone services are part of efforts to support people struggling with opioid dependence through treatment and rehabilitation.
The tour continued at Kidimni in Central District, South Unguja Region, where Mr Othman inspected a treatment and rehabilitation centre for people affected by drug addiction.
He also visited land designated for the construction of methadone treatment facilities and inspected a communication centre (call centre).
Addressing officials at the institutions, Mr Othman commended their contribution to reducing the number of people affected by HIV and drug addiction, noting that their services were important in protecting public health and promoting community safety.
He said the government valued the work being undertaken by the institutions in supporting affected individuals and addressing challenges associated with HIV and substance abuse.
The visit was attended by the Minister of State in the Office of the First Vice-President, Ms Anna Athanas Paul, and Health Minister Nassor Ahmed Mazrui.
Also present were district leaders, heads of security and defence organs, and the Commissioner General of the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority.