Zanzibar has recorded strong progress in its national immunisation programme, achieving about 92 per cent vaccination coverage, according to the Ministry of Health.Health officials say this is a major step forward, but they are still aiming to reach full coverage of 100 per cent in the coming years.

The Director of Preventive Services and Health Education, Dr Slim Salim Slim, shared this information during a training session for journalists focused on vaccination awareness and public health communication.

He explained that although the country has made good progress, the remaining 8 per cent of the population who are not yet vaccinated must be reached through stronger public education and community engagement.Dr Slim highlighted that the government spends around 1.6 billion Tanzanian shillings every year to buy vaccines, showing a serious commitment to protecting public health.

He stressed that this investment must go hand in hand with increased awareness so that people, especially parents, fully utilise available vaccines such as BCG for children and HPV vaccines for adolescent girls.He also called on journalists to play an active role in spreading correct information about immunisation.In addition, Dr Slim warned about the ongoing Ebola outbreak in neighbouring countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.He said there is no vaccine for the current strain and urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas and follow safety guidelines.

Zanzibar is strengthening screening at airports and seaports using thermal scanners, while working with partners such as Africa CDC to monitor disease spread.Authorities confirmed that both Zanzibar and Tanzania remain Ebola-free.

Covid-19 cases are still being reported, mainly among unvaccinated individuals, though the disease is no longer causing global panic due to vaccination efforts.