DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's Zanzibar Ministry of Health on Monday honored the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar and the third batch of experts under the second phase of a China-aided schistosomiasis prevention and control project for their contributions to the islands' healthcare sector.

A member of the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar (L) conducts a physical examination for a local child during a free medical outreach in Zanzibar, Tanzania, July 11, 2026. (The 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar/Handout via Xinhua)

Zanzibar's Acting Minister for Health Saada Mkuya Salum commended the Chinese medical and health experts for providing high-quality medical resources and professional expertise while implementing medical assistance and schistosomiasis prevention and control programs based on local needs.

She said the cooperation had brought tangible benefits to local communities and demonstrated the longstanding friendship and practical cooperation between Tanzania and China.

Bao Zengtao, leader of the Chinese medical team, said Chinese medical teams will continue to deepen medical exchanges, technical training and public health cooperation with Zanzibar in the future.

Wang Wei, head of the schistosomiasis prevention and control expert team, expressed hope that the two sides would further strengthen cooperation to consolidate and expand achievements in schistosomiasis prevention in Zanzibar.

The 35th Chinese medical team arrived in Zanzibar in September last year and has treated nearly 60,000 outpatients during its term. The second phase of the China-aided schistosomiasis prevention and control project was launched in September 2023 and completed its on-site acceptance in August 2026.