Tanzania Seeks Regional Cancer Care Hub as Services Expand

Tanzania is seeking to establish itself as a regional hub for cancer treatment and specialist training in sub-Saharan Africa as the government expands screening, vaccination and access to advanced medical technology, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi said on Tuesday.

Addressing an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum in Vienna, Ndejembi said increased government investment had significantly expanded the country’s capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

“Health has remained a national priority, as demonstrated by the progress made in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment from primary to tertiary levels of healthcare,” he said.

The two-day forum , held under the theme “Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care,” has brought together government leaders, scientists, health professionals and other stakeholders to examine ways of closing gaps in access to cancer diagnosis and treatment worldwide.