Joseph Isangura
The Government of Tanzania has rolled out a multifaceted strategy aimed at improving prevention, early diagnosis, and access to specialized treatment services.
This was revealed by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, during a Parliamentary session on Wednesday. He was responding to a question raised by Special Seats Member of Parliament Mariam Kisangi, who asked about the government’s plans to control the alarming increase in cancer cases.
“We are intensifying public education, expanding vaccination coverage, strengthening our healthcare infrastructure, and training more specialists to deal with the cancer crisis,” Dr. Mollel said.
Public Education Through Multiple Media Channels
According to the Deputy Minister, the government is actively engaging the public through radio, television, print media, and social networks to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of early screening.
This effort targets both urban and rural populations, with a focus on demystifying common types of cancer like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer. Many Tanzanians still seek treatment too late, often due to a lack of awareness or misinformation.
HPV Vaccine to Protect Young Girls
A key part of Tanzania’s prevention strategy is providing the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9–14. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, one of the most common and deadly cancers among Tanzanian women.
The vaccine is part of a national immunization effort supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners. It is offered free of charge in public health facilities and during school outreach programs.
Strengthening Early Detection Services
The government is also expanding access to screening services at all levels of the health system, from local dispensaries to regional and national referral hospitals. Community-based screening campaigns are being implemented to ensure no one is left behind.
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In addition, the Ministry of Health is working to improve the supply of essential diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, mammography, and pap smear services.
Improving Specialized Cancer Treatment
Hospitals across the country are being equipped with better infrastructure to offer advanced care, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology. Institutions such as the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, and KCMC in Moshi are central to this effort.
The government is also investing in training more oncologists, pathologists, and radiographers to meet the rising demand for cancer treatment.
Aligning with Global and National Strategies
Tanzania’s actions are aligned with global frameworks such as the WHO Global Strategy to Eliminate Cervical Cancer and the National Cancer Control Strategy 2020–2025. The government has also included cancer prevention and treatment in its broader Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP V), reflecting a national commitment to Universal Health Coverage.
