The World Bank is considering providing an additional US$100 million to finance priority health projects in Zanzibar, according to discussions between the Zanzibar Ministry of Health and a World Bank delegation. The potential funding would support the construction of a Mother and Child Hospital in Kilimani and the strengthening of safe blood services, Zanzibar Minister for Health Nassor Ahmed Mazrui said following the meeting at his office.
The World Bank delegation visited to assess progress on ongoing projects funded under the first phase of cooperation between the institution and Zanzibar's health authorities. Minister Mazrui said the first-phase funding had made a significant contribution to strengthening healthcare services. Support included the provision of ambulances, equipment for the Central Medical Stores, medicines and the construction of health facilities.
Achievements under the first phase include the construction of health centres in Fuoni and Jang'ombe, as well as continued construction of housing for healthcare workers in Kivunge and Micheweni, Pemba. These initiatives are intended to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals and make health services more accessible to the public, according to the minister.
The proposed Mother and Child Hospital in Kilimani is expected to increase the government's capacity to provide maternal and child healthcare, including services for pregnant women, women during childbirth and children requiring specialised care and treatment. Ernest Massiah, the World Bank manager responsible for Health Policy in the East Africa Region, said the institution was encouraged by the measures being undertaken by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to implement projects aimed at improving healthcare services.
The World Bank said it would continue working with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to strengthen the health sector, taking into account existing needs and established priorities to ensure that implemented projects deliver tangible benefits to the public. For savers and borrowers in Zanzibar, World Bank funding could improve access to maternal and child healthcare services while strengthening the capacity of health facilities across the islands.