DAR ES SALAAM, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The baseline survey in the pilot area on Unguja Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar for the second phase of the Chinese-coordinated technical assistance project on schistosomiasis control was completed on Sunday.
Dai Yang, leader of the schistosomiasis control project group, told Xinhua on Monday that since May, the project team has surveyed schistosomiasis infection rates among residents in three communities of Kinyasini, Kikobweni, and Chaani Masingini.
Dai said the baseline assessments across all three locations have concluded, with more than 1,500 individuals examined and the overall infection rate recorded at about 5 percent.
This second phase will move forward with the implementation of comprehensive control strategies in Unguja's pilot areas, including disease detection, snail control, and the integration of Chinese expertise to support the island's schistosomiasis elimination efforts, Dai said.
"Our staff are experienced in schistosomiasis control, but they lack familiarity with tools like GPS (Global Positioning System) and database software, so dedicated training is essential," said Shaali Ame, program manager for neglected tropical diseases at Zanzibar's Ministry of Health.
"Through year-round on-site collaboration, consistent standards, and joint problem-solving, this deep integration has not only built trust in the Chinese model but also encouraged locally adapted innovation, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of technology transfer," said Ali, a field staff member on Unguja Island.
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