DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on Thursday called for stronger regional and continental cooperation to combat cancer.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Nchemba said progress in cancer control requires joint efforts in research, specialist training, and the sharing of technology and expertise.
The prime minister stressed that collaboration is essential to address Africa's growing cancer burden, adding that Tanzania is ready to serve as a regional hub for the fight against the disease through the ORCI.
Nchemba directed the Ministry of Health to develop a strategy to reduce new cases and mitigate the economic and national well-being impacts.
The government has expanded early screening services for various cancers to primary healthcare facilities, Nchemba said.
According to Ministry of Health statistics, around 44,900 people were newly diagnosed with cancer in Tanzania in 2022, while approximately 29,700 died from the disease that year.
