Chinese health experts in Tanzania’s Zanzibar on Monday held a health education and donation event at Minazini Primary School on Pemba Island to mark World Zoonoses Day, aiming to raise awareness about zoonotic diseases and promote preventive health practices among students.
The event was organized by the expert team of the China-aided schistosomiasis control project in Zanzibar and the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar.
Speaking at the event, Mohamed Abdalla Omar, a regional education officer on Pemba Island, commended China’s continued support for Zanzibar’s health and education sectors, urging students to apply the knowledge gained and promote good hygiene practices in their communities.
Wang Wei, leader of the Chinese expert group, said zoonotic diseases remain a global public health challenge, emphasizing that health education is key to prevention, calling for collective efforts from schools, families, and society in combating diseases such as schistosomiasis.
Hou Jianwen, deputy head of the Chinese medical team, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to improving community health, particularly among young people, through sustained outreach and education initiatives.
During the session, experts provided simplified explanations of schistosomiasis transmission, symptoms, and prevention, advising students to avoid contact with unsafe water and maintain proper hygiene.
The teams also donated school supplies and sports equipment to support the learning environment.
Observed annually on July 6, World Zoonoses Day highlights diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies, avian influenza and schistosomiasis, and underscores the importance of prevention, public education and cross-sector cooperation.
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