“No household in Zanzibar should be without access to basic health services.” — H.E. President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi
Zanzibar City, 30 June 2025 – In a powerful affirmation of Zanzibar’s commitment to universal health coverage, over 400 Community Health Care Workers (CHWs) graduated in a ceremony officiated by His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council. The President emphasized the critical importance of strengthening primary healthcare and ensuring health services reach every household.
“Our goal is to ensure that no household in Zanzibar is left without access to basic health services,” President Mwinyi stated. “These Community Health Workers will help bring services closer to the people and are a vital pillar in our universal health coverage agenda.”
The event, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, brought together key stakeholders including UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF, and other UN agencies, to celebrate this milestone in Zanzibar’s public health journey.
UNFPA Applauds Zanzibar’s Commitment to Community Health
Representing UNFPA at the ceremony, UNFPA Representative Mark Bryan Schreiner joined in congratulating the graduates and applauding the Government’s strong leadership in prioritizing community-based health systems.
“Community Health Care Workers are the beating heart of public health,” said Schreiner. “They are trusted voices, tireless educators, and first responders who ensure that no one is left behind—especially women, adolescents, and newborns in hard-to-reach areas.”
CHWs are instrumental in promoting reproductive, maternal, newborn, adolescent, and child health (RMNCAH), including increasing access to family planning, supporting safe deliveries, educating young people, and improving health-seeking behavior across communities.
A Legacy of Partnership and Progress
UNFPA’s partnership with the people and Government of Zanzibar dates back several decades, beginning with support for Community-Based Distributors (CBDs)—who delivered contraceptives and information directly to households. This grassroots model paved the way for the current system of trained Community Health Workers.
“We are not just celebrating a graduation—we are celebrating progress, partnership, and purpose,” said Schreiner. “Your training, your readiness, and your passion are stepping stones to a healthier and more equitable Zanzibar.”
The Ministry of Health played a central role in this transformation, introducing standardized Community Health Volunteers to professionalize and scale community health promotion and disease prevention efforts.
“Community Health Workers are a bridge between communities and the health system,” said Hon. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Zanzibar’s Minister of Health. “They are essential in promoting awareness, increasing service uptake, and advancing our national priorities in reproductive and child health.”
A Vision for Innovation and Sustainability
As development financing becomes increasingly constrained, UNFPA also encouraged further exploration of digital innovations to support CHWs. Tools such as mobile apps for patient tracking, data collection, and health education can help increase efficiency and extend their reach.
“At UNFPA, we believe that health—including reproductive, maternal, and adolescent health—is not just a service,” Schreiner said. “It is a cornerstone of dignity, development, and equality.”
A New Chapter Begins
The graduation marks a significant chapter not only in the lives of the new CHWs but in Zanzibar’s broader health agenda. As these health workers return to their communities, they carry with them knowledge, compassion, and a mission to deliver care where it is needed most.
UNFPA Representative Mark Bryan Schreiner reiterated the agency’s continued support:
“We are honored to stand with the Government of Zanzibar in strengthening primary health systems. Today’s graduation is a powerful reminder that when communities are empowered, health outcomes improve. Congratulations to the graduating class—may your service be guided by compassion, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the power of community care.”
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Media Inquiries:
Dr. Warren Bright
UNFPA Communications Analyst,
United Republic of Tanzania
Phone: +255 764 43 44 45
Email: bwarren@unfpa.org
