(Stone Town, Zanzibar) – The Tanzanian government has unveiled a €59 million plan to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment facilities using nuclear technology. This initiative, which includes upgrades to existing centers and the construction of new facilities across the country, was announced in a speech by Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during the inauguration of the Atomic Energy Commission’s new offices and laboratories in Zanzibar.
The ambitious plan seeks to bolster the capacity of established centers at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam and Bugando Medical Center in Mwanza. Additionally, four new centers will be developed at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar, and Mbeya Referral Hospital.
Efforts are also underway to construct nuclear equipment storage facilities at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital and KCMC. Similar projects are set to commence at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital and Binguni in Zanzibar, as well as at Mbeya Referral Hospital. Once completed, Tanzania will have six government-operated cancer treatment centers distributed across key regions, enhancing nationwide access to specialized care.
President Samia emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, stating, “This program will significantly improve cancer care in Tanzania, with nuclear technology playing a vital role in diagnosis and treatment.”
The president expressed gratitude to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other development partners for their support in strengthening Tanzania’s infrastructure, equipment, and expertise in nuclear technology. She also announced the launch of the “Samia Scholarship Extended” program, aimed at addressing the shortage of nuclear science and technology professionals by funding Tanzanian students to pursue advanced studies in top universities worldwide.
Despite these advancements, President Samia acknowledged challenges such as staffing shortages and budget constraints within the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (Taec). She assured citizens that both mainland and Zanzibar governments are committed to increasing funding and employment opportunities to sustain these efforts.
The newly inaugurated Taec building, which cost TSh 3 billion to construct, includes 17 offices and five laboratories. According to Taec Director General Prof. Najat Mohammed, the facility will enhance the implementation of the National Policy on Nuclear Technology and promote safer use of nuclear applications in health and commerce.
Chairman of Taec’s Board, Prof. Joseph Msambichaka, highlighted the government’s achievements in expanding infrastructure and facilitating research in nuclear technology. Zanzibar’s Health Minister Nassoro Ahmed Mazrui reiterated the critical role of these laboratories in the planned cancer center at Binguni Referral Hospital, which will house X-ray, CT scan, and MRI facilities.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Omar Kipanga praised Taec’s contribution to modernizing safety measures and increasing productivity in nuclear technology applications.
Six New Cancer Centers for Tanzania
| Facility | Location | Status | Planned Enhancements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Road Cancer Institute | Dar es Salaam | Existing | Capacity Upgrade |
| Bugando Medical Center | Mwanza | Existing | Capacity Upgrade |
| Benjamin Mkapa Hospital | Dodoma | Under Construction | New Center, Nuclear Equipment Storage |
| KCMC | Moshi | Under Construction | New Center, Nuclear Equipment Storage |
| Mnazi Mmoja Hospital | Zanzibar | Planned | New Center |
| Mbeya Referral Hospital | Mbeya | Planned | New Center |