Zanzibar University

In Tanzania, despite the progress in HIV testing and counseling, 39.4% of people living with HIV aged ≥ 15 years were unaware of their HIV status in 2017. HIV testing is a crucial entry point for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of HIV to increase survival, improve quality of life, and prevent further transmission. This analysis aimed to estimate the proportion of individuals aged ≥ 15 years living with HIV in Tanzania who were unaware of their HIV status and to determine factors associated with unawareness of HIV-positive status. We analyzed data from the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey 2022-2023, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey which employed a two-stage cluster sampling design and included HIV testing at the household with laboratory confirmation. This analysis focused on individuals aged ≥ 15 years who tested HIV-positive during the survey. Weighted percentages were calculated to summarize demographic information and the proportion unaware of their HIV-positive status. Logistic regression accounting for complex survey design was used to determine factors associated with unawareness of HIV-positive status. A total of 1,850 individuals aged ≥ 15 years tested HIV positive, among which 266 (17.3%) were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Males were more likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status than females (21.6%, aOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06-2.61, p = 0.029 vs. 15.2%). Young people aged 15 - 24 years were over five times more likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status (aOR = 5.61, 95% CI: 2.12-14.84, p = 0.001) compared to individuals aged ≥ 55 years. Individuals who reported not using a condom at last sexual intercourse in the past year were more likely to be unaware of their HIV status than those who reported condom use (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.32-4.20, p = 0.005). Those with at least one partner living with HIV were less likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status compared to individuals with all sexual partners who were HIV negative (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00-0.42, p = 0.009). Despite robust HIV case-finding interventions in Tanzania, 1 in 6 PLHIV were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Targeted HIV case-finding interventions should continue with a focus on reaching men and young people who were more likely to be unaware of their status. HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use, remain crucial, since individual behaviors were linked to awareness of HIV status.

The study tests whether Sukuk/Islamic bonds and the economy are in a dynamic equilibrium using quarterly data from GCC countries and Türkiye. The Johansen cointegration technique is adopted. Also, we have applied the LRSM to check whether the long relation is consistent with the a priori information. Additionally, to enhance the robustness of the findings, a Bayesian approach was employed. It has been revealed that the economy and Sukuk are in a dynamic equilibrium. As such, a spurious relation is ruled out. This implies that the coefficient of the cointegrating vectors encompasses the necessary information of whether the previous values can have an impact on their own present value or on another variable in the long run. Moreover, owing to "LRSM" subjected to exactly and over-identifying restrictions, the findings further revealed that the long-run coefficients significantly enter the cointegrating vector, hence aligning with theoretical expectations; as such, we ascertain that the estimated model is both data and theory-consistent. In terms of directional and statistical significance, the LRSM’ s finding is consistent with the Bayesian regression results. Therefore, evidence of cointegration is crucial for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios into the Sukuk markets. As such, a strong GDP may signal a potential for higher returns on Sukuk investments.

This study examined the effectiveness of innovation hubs in supporting quality secondary education in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the Bwejuu Innovation Hub in Kusini District, Unguja, Zanzibar. It assessed how the services provided by innovation hubs enhance the quality of secondary education. A cross-sectional mixed-methods research design was employed, involving 150 respondents drawn from seven satellite secondary schools affiliated with the Bwejuu Innovation Hub, together with four key informants selected through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate generally positive perceptions regarding the contribution of innovation hub services to teaching and learning processes. Descriptive results revealed high mean scores for service availability and accessibility (M = 4.46), perceived impact on quality education (M = 4.44), and usefulness and relevance of services (M = 4.33). Pearson correlation analysis further revealed significant positive relationships between availability and accessibility of services and perceived impact on quality education (r = 0.533, p < 0.001), as well as between usefulness and relevance of services and perceived impact on quality education (r = 0.522, p < 0.001). Despite these positive perceptions, several challenges were identified, including limited learning resources and accessibility constraints affecting some satellite schools. The study concludes that innovation hubs contribute meaningfully to improving learning environments and student engagement in secondary education. However, strengthening infrastructure, expanding learning resources, and improving accessibility mechanisms are necessary to maximize the impact of innovation hubs on educational quality in Zanzibar.

Background: Traditional herbal steam inhalation (Nyungu) is a key healthcare practice in Zanzibar for treating respiratory, febrile, and spiritual ailments. Despite its importance, it remains under documented and underutilized in wellness tourism. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used in Nyungu and explore opportunities for integration into tourism. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 26 shehias (14 in Unguja and 12 in Pemba). Sixty-eight traditional healers were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Data on plant use, preparation, treated ailments, and commercialization were analyzed using SPSS and Origin software. Results: The study identified 73 and 75 plant species in Unguja and Pemba, respectively. Commonly cited species included Citrus aurantiacus, Azadirachta indica, and Ocimum americanum. The main ailments treated were runny nose (18%), fever (15%), common cold (13%), and spiritual disorders (12%). Treatment regimens varied: most healers in Unguja preferred one-day sessions, while those in Pemba favored three- to seven-day duration. Polyherbal preparations were widely used. Commercialization was limited, with 60% of healers in Unguja and 84% in Pemba not offering services to tourists. Documentation was low, as only 8% (Unguja) and 17% (Pemba) recorded their practices. Conclusion: Nyungu remains a cornerstone of traditional healthcare in Zanzibar and holds promise for wellness tourism. However, poor documentation, limited commercialization, and lack of standardization hinder its development. Phytochemical validation, cultivation of key species, tourism integration, and supportive policies are recommended for sustainable use and cultural preservation.

This study explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating robotics technologies into science-hub libraries in Zanzibar, focusing on three hubs located on Unguja Island. The study population included staff working in the hubs and stakeholders dealing with robotics technologies in the country. A case study research design with a qualitative research approach was employed to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. Qualitative data was gathered through focus group discussions to gauge the respondents’ perceptions and experiences regarding educational robotics technologies in the hub settings. The findings highlight promising opportunities, including government support through infrastructure investments; grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; a competence-based curriculum; and access to professional development such as online courses. However, key challenges persist, including limited robotics infrastructure, insufficient librarian training, and financial constraints. To address these issues, the study recommends securing long-term funding, advocating for the inclusion of robotics in Zanzibar's education curriculum, and introducing affordable mobile robotics kits.

BackgroundZanzibar has achieved historic reductions in malaria incidence, but high connectivity to mainland Tanzania and imported cases remain a challenge to “last mile” malaria elimination.MethodsTo understand factors driving malaria importation, prospective surveys were administered to patients at 94 health facilities across Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, from May 2022 to December 2023, and to travellers at the Zanzibar-bound ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam from August to December 2024. In addition, digital mobility data—Meta colocation and movement distribution—were analysed to examine movement patterns between Unguja and mainland Tanzania. These data were integrated with rainfall data to explore the seasonality of human movement and travel-associated malaria risk.ResultsOf 3,875 total malaria cases presenting to health facilities in Unguja, 1,172 reported travel to mainland Tanzania within the past 30 days (283/511 (55%) in 2022, 889/3,348 (27%) in 2023). Among these, travel to Tanga (20%), Dar es Salaam (20%), and Morogoro (15%) were most common. Children and females had higher odds of having malaria associated with travel to the mainland (aOR 3.2, 95% CI: 2.2–4.8 and aOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.3–1.8, respectively, compared to those without mainland travel), while nightwatchmen and students with malaria were more likely to report travel within Zanzibar. Twenty-eight percent of travel-associated malaria cases reported primary residence on the mainland. However, Zanzibari residents who reported travel to mainland regions with high or moderate malaria risk during the dry season made up the highest proportion of travel-related malaria cases (n = 309, 32%). Meta movement distribution data shows that long-distance travel off Unguja decreases during the rainy seasons. In addition, imported cases correlated with rainfall at their mainland destination, rather than rainfall in Zanzibar. With different biases, data from both Meta colocation and ferry surveys approximated the proportional makeup of at-risk travel from different geographies relatively well. In particular, Meta colocation data highlighted travel between Tanga and Unguja, likely via private boats, not captured in the ferry data.ConclusionsMovement flows and seasonal rainfall patterns drive imported malaria in predictable ways that can be harnessed to target high-risk travellers for intervention.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-025-05605-1.

Initiation ceremonies play a vital role in the transition from childhood to adulthood. This paper assessed community participation in the initiation ceremonies. The study was conducted in Chalinze district council. Specifically, the study identified the prevailing initiation ceremonies, established benefits, and examined factors influencing community participation. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while a checklist guiding tool was used to collect qualitative data. Respondents interviewed were 200(100%), out of them 158(75%) were males while 42(25%) were females. In-depth interviews were conducted with three key informants, as they are knowledgeable of the study topic, together with two focus group discussions. Findings identified prevailed initiation ceremonies as follows ‘Jando’ by 148(94%) males and 41(98%) females’ respondents and ‘Unyago’ by 145(92%) males and 41(98%) females. Others were menstruation rituals by 88(56%) males and 41(98%) females’ respondents, pre-wedding rituals by 135(85%) males and 40(95%) females’ respondents and rituals for uncircumcised men by 127(80%) males and 39(93%) females’ respondents. Benefits include cultural identity, life skills, preparation for adulthood, moral guidance, social control, strengthening of community bonds, and transmission of social norms. Factors influencing community participation in initiation ceremonies include modernity, social status, and religious belief. Findings inform policymakers through recommendations such as continuity to practice initiation ceremonies with consideration of the predominant rules and regulations. This has to be enforced by the Ministry of Health, the community development, gender, elderly, and children, and the respective district councils. Ultimately, cultural transmission, knowledge, and values would be inherited by the next generation.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that mostly affects school-age children in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive chemotherapy is the mainstay of control. Other interventions, including behavior change communication (BCC), are recommended to reduce transmission and ultimately achieve elimination. We determined the effect of BCC interventions on schistosomiasis-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among children who were exposed to different BCC intervention frequencies and durations within the 4-year SchistoBreak project in Pemba, Tanzania. Annual surveys were carried out from 2020 to 2024 in 18 primary schools. Schistosomiasis-related KAP were assessed in randomly selected children attending grades 3-5. BCC interventions were implemented for one period (4 schools), two periods without gap (3 schools), two periods with a 1-year gap (1 school), or never (10 schools). Linear and logistic mixed-models with random effect were applied to assess associations between BCC exposure categories as predictors and knowledge or attitude scores, or unsafe washing practices as the outcome variable in 2024. A total of 4196 children participated in the surveys. Knowledge and attitude improved with continuous or repeated exposure to BCC interventions. In 2024, the knowledge scores were significantly higher in children who received BCC intervention once (difference: 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.6-1.9) or twice (difference: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-2.7), as compared to children who never received BCC interventions. Children who were exposed to BCC interventions twice (difference: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.8-1.6) had significantly higher attitude scores in 2024. Washing practices improved regardless of whether or not children were exposed to BCC. The washing platforms installed in intervention areas were known by up to half of the children exposed to BCC interventions, but their use was considerably lower, varying between 7.5% and 43.1%. We demonstrated that BCC interventions were able to improve schistosomiasis-related knowledge and attitudes in schoolchildren. Repeated BCC interventions might be required for sustainable long-term impact. ISRCTN, ISRCTN91431493. Registered 11 February. 2020, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN91431493.