DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Zanzibar has established its first high-level advisory committee dedicated to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with support from a China-aided schistosomiasis prevention and control project, according to the Zanzibar Ministry of Health.
The Zanzibar Neglected Tropical Diseases Elimination Advisory Committee will provide independent expert advice, strategic guidance and technical oversight to help accelerate efforts to control and eventually interrupt the transmission of priority NTDs across Unguja and Pemba islands, the ministry said.
The committee brings together officials from the Ministry of Health and other government sectors, including water, education and agriculture, as well as experts from China, the World Health Organization and other international organizations.
The committee was also established with assistance from a public health expert from the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar.
According to the ministry, the committee is expected to strengthen coordination among government institutions and development partners, consolidate progress already made, and support Zanzibar's goal of eliminating NTDs through stronger technical cooperation and sustained partnerships. ■
