DAR ES SALAAM, June 26 (Xinhua) -- A local hospital was designated as a schistosomiasis sentinel hospital on Tanzania's Zanzibar island of Pemba on Thursday under the second phase of the China-aided technical assistance project for schistosomiasis control, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the island's disease surveillance system.
Speaking at the designation ceremony at Vitongoji District Hospital, Wang Wei, head of the expert team for the China-aided schistosomiasis control project in Zanzibar, said the sentinel hospital will undertake responsibilities including case detection, diagnosis, treatment, epidemic monitoring, data reporting, and health education related to schistosomiasis.
Wang noted that the facility will provide an important basis for tracking disease trends, improving case management, and developing scientific prevention and control strategies.
Marijani Msafiri, a senior health official in Zanzibar's Ministry of Health, said the designation would enhance the hospital's capacity in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring the disease, while promoting local public health services and safeguarding community health.
Following the ceremony, the Chinese team donated a batch of medical supplies, including microscopes, diagnostic reagents, face masks, and medicines, to support schistosomiasis diagnosis, monitoring, and daily medical services.
Project experts also held technical discussions with hospital staff on case management, laboratory testing, and surveillance reporting. ■