Chinese medics offer free services to mark Handwashing Day
ZANZIBAR: A TEAM of Chinese medical experts provided health education and free clinical services in Pemba Islands as part of this year’s Global Handwashing Day celebrations.
The event was led by the second group of experts from the China-Zanzibar Aid Project for Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination and the 34th Chinese Medical Team stationed in Pemba.
The activities took place at Kiwani Secondary School and the Primary Health Clinic Unit.
The initiative, which attracted over 400 local residents and students, was conducted in collaboration with representatives from the health and education departments and the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Programme Unit.
Saleh Juma, the NTD Programme Coordinator, highlighted the success of the event but noted the ongoing risks: “Due to a lack of awareness about schistosomiasis and other parasitic diseases, the residents of Pemba Island are at a higher risk of contracting these illnesses.”
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At the event, Chinese health experts and local NTD control staff educated participants on the life cycles of parasites, transmission routes and the health threats posed by these diseases. Dr Dai Yang, one of the Chinese doctors, said, “We hope that China’s experience in health education and medical technology can help alleviate the burden of disease for the local population.”
The experts spent the day teaching proper handwashing techniques and demonstrating effective methods for preventing parasitic diseases through safe and standardised handwashing practices. Dr Huang Haijin added that residents also received free health consultations in various specialties, including surgery, cardiology, orthopaedics, gynaecology, pediatrics and otolaryngology.
District Surveillance Officer Haji Bakari Haji, District Medical Officer Ali Salim Maalim and Education Minister Habib Abdalla Habib expressed their gratitude to the Chinese medical team.
“The health education and free clinical services were timely and beneficial for our people,” Mr Haji said, adding that he hopes for similar activities in the future to continue improving health standards on the island.
Global Handwashing Day is observed annually on October 15th and this year’s theme is “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” It serves as a reminder of the critical role handwashing plays in preventing disease.
