Zanzibar NTD Master Plan 2023-2027- EN

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, with support from various line Ministries and Development Partners, has continued to provide health care services to the people of Zanzibar in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. These diseases deepen the burden of poverty on the population of Zanzibar due to the morbidity, mortality and also the disabilities, stigma, social discrimination that these disease impact on people. 

The Neglected Tropical Diseases are majorly preventable, avoidable and even curable with existing drugs and other cost-effective interventions. A substantial proportion of these disabilities are either not properly addressed in the burden of diseases or do not benefit from an equitable attention in the health system strategies and policies. They are diseases of poverty and occur mainly in rural communities where poverty indicators are high. However, there is increasing global interest and improved access to early diagnosis, proper case management as well as evidence-based integrated preventive services. 

The Ministry of Health of The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has included Neglected Tropical Diseases in the priorities for health sector reform in order to achieve the SDGs and the goal of the Zanzibar Poverty Reduction Strategy (MKUZA). The strategic plan is in line with the WHO Road map 2021-2030 and will guide all stakeholders, including the government, Development Partners, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations and communities, among others, in working together towards the attainment of our vision of a country free of Neglected Tropical Diseases.