MINISTRY of Health in Zanzibar has urged the public to take health precautions against the negative impacts of the seasonal rains which have begun in the isles.

In a public statement yesterday, Minister for Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, said the seasonal rains have usually led to significant health consequences due to outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Mazrui explained that during the rainy season, various infectious diseases commonly emerge, including cholera, malaria and typhoid fever among others.

He noted that the disease outbreaks are primarily caused by stagnant water combined with poor environmental sanitation.

“The rains can have serious health implications, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria. The Ministry of Health urges residents to take necessary health precautions and maintain environmental cleanliness,” he said in a statement.

To help prevent the health risks, the ministry advised the public to keep environment clean by removing waste and standing water, and ensuring cleanliness is maintained at all times.

The minister also encouraged the use of safe and clean water, including boiling drinking water, using water treatment tablets, and ensuring that water storage containers are kept clean.

He emphasised the importance of food hygiene, advising that food should be properly cooked and stored in clean conditions at all times.

In addition, Mazrui urged the public to use clean latrines and ensure that sanitation facilities are well-maintained, with access to water at all times to prevent the spread of diseases.

He further encouraged the community to wash hands with running water and soap after using the toilet, before eating, and to use hand sanitizers after using the toilet and before meals as essential preventative measures.

“This is an effective way to prevent the spread of diseases and promote good health. Proper hand washing helps eliminate germs and prevents infections,” the minister said.

He also stated that the ministry continues to implement various strategies, including public education campaigns, to encourage the public to take preventive measures against infectious diseases while strengthening disease surveillance systems.

The ministry has also urged relevant institutions, such as the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Special Departments), city and municipal councils, the Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA), the Zanzibar Old Town Authority, and the Housing Corporation, to take appropriate measures to protect the public from infectious diseases.

According to a statement issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, (TMA)-Zanzibar, the long rains for 2025 are expected to be average to below average.

The rains have already begun during the first and second weeks of this month and are expected to conclude in the final week of May.