International Women’s Month
Celebrating Women's Strength and Resilience
Women’s health is a cornerstone of strong, thriving communities. In Zanzibar, where women make up 51.6% of the population (Population Census 2022), addressing the unique challenges they face in accessing healthcare is crucial. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take a moment to reflect on the progress made, the hurdles that remain, and the inspiring work being done to ensure that every woman receives the quality healthcare she deserves.
Despite significant advancements in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery, many women in Zanzibar continue to struggle with accessing essential health services. Socio-cultural norms, economic barriers, and systemic limitations within the healthcare sector create disparities that disproportionately affect women’s well-being. For many, the cost of transport, medications, and medical consultations—particularly those not fully covered by public healthcare—can be prohibitive. This is especially concerning as women often bear the brunt of financial dependency in Zanzibar, making even small out-of-pocket expenses a major challenge.
At HIPZ, we are committed to working alongside the government to strengthen healthcare services across Zanzibar’s health facilities and communities. This journey has been made possible thanks to the longstanding support of our incredible partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the difference they have made—helping us provide essential medical equipment, support healthcare workers, and improve the quality of health services. Their contributions will have a lasting impact on women’s health in Zanzibar for years to come.
Maternal and Child Health;
Supporting Mothers For A Healthier Future
Motherhood should be a time of joy and new beginnings, yet for many women in Zanzibar, it comes with significant risks. The institutional maternal mortality ratio in Zanzibar remains high at 145 per 100,000 live births (Zanzibar Health Bulletin, 2023), largely due to delays in accessing quality maternal healthcare. Ensuring that women have access to safe pregnancy and childbirth services is one of HIPZ’s top priorities.
Through our programmes, we have been able to make a real difference by:
- Supporting over 700 healthcare workers from more than 140 health facilities with ongoing skills development, including classroom training and on-the-job mentorship across Unguja and Pemba.
- Providing essential medications, equipment, and supplies to ensure safer deliveries.
- Maintaining and servicing critical medical equipment in health facilities to guarantee safe, high-quality maternal healthcare services.
Much of this work has been made possible through the generous backing of The Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust, whose support has helped ensure that more women receive the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth.
Nutrition and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Women in Zanzibar face a dual burden of malnutrition—both under-nutrition and over-nutrition—each carrying its own set of risks. Poor nutrition affects overall health, pregnancy outcomes, and quality of life. Additionally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are on the rise, disproportionately impacting women’s health. According to the STEPs survey (2023), the prevalence of NCDs and their associated risk factors is increasing at an alarming rate.
Beyond physical health, mental health remains an often-overlooked aspect of women’s well-being. Many women experience undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions due to stigma and a lack of awareness.
HIPZ has been tackling these issues head-on by:
- Training over 110 healthcare workers to provide quality services for patients with hypertension, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
- Conducting mass media education sessions and local community-based initiatives to raise awareness and encourage healthier lifestyles.
- Organizing integrated outreach services that offer multiple NCD screenings in one setting—an initiative that has seen a remarkable turnout, with women making up the majority of attendees.
- Delivering Pamoja Afya Bora – mental well-being sessions – in the community by trained facilitators through the support of the Lady Fatemah Charitable Trust.
A Future Where Every Woman Has Access To Healthcare
On this International Women’s Day, we recognize that true progress in women’s health comes not only from providing medical services but also from empowering women to take charge of their health. This means creating an environment where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and culturally acceptable, where women are informed about their rights, and where they feel confident in seeking medical care without barriers.
At HIPZ, we are dedicated to this vision and will continue working towards sustainable, community-led healthcare improvements.
We invite you to be part of this journey—whether through support, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness about the importance of women’s health.
Happy International Women’s Day!