Tanzania, India medics aim to enhance cancer care
A DELEGATION from the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) of India has teamed up with over 70 Tanzanian oncologists and doctors to strengthen cancer care and treatment in Tanzania and Africa.
TMC is one of India’s premier cancer research and treatment facilities.
The High Commissioner of India in Tanzania, Mr Bishwadip Dey told the ‘Daily News’ over the weekend that the delegation aims to share insights into their groundbreaking cancer research, innovative treatments and ongoing capacity-building initiatives in Africa.
“Delegation together with Tanzanian experts will discuss future collaborations, exchange knowledge and explore ways to strengthen cancer care and treatment in Tanzania and Africa,” said Mr Dey.
The Commissioner said the symposium will provide an invaluable opportunity for Tanzanian doctors to interact with the TMC delegation, fostering stronger institutional and personal collaborations.
Following the event, the visiting TMC team will also meet with officials from three major hospitals in Dar es Salaam to explore potential partnerships and further collaborations in cancer care.
“This event represents a significant step toward building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships in oncology between India and Tanzania with the goal of improving cancer treatment and research across Africa,” Mr Dey emphasised.
He said the programme also aims to empower African healthcare professionals to return to their home countries, where they have established oncology departments and continue to train future generations of oncologists.
Mr Dey said as per GLOBOCAN data, Africa is forecasted to experience the fastest rise in cancer incidence and deaths globally by 2040 with nearly 2.1 million cases and 1.4 million deaths projected.
According to the Commissioner, Tanzanian reports showed an estimated 40,464 new cancer cases annually with 70 per cent of these resulting in death due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
“In order to address this critical healthcare challenge, enhanced cooperation in cancer care research and capacity building is required,” he said.
Moreover, he added that TMC’s clinical guidelines are widely followed across the continent tailored to resource-stratified environments.
Over the years, TMC has not only treated numerous African cancer patients but has also donated cost-effective radiation therapy machines like Bhabhatron-II, to various African countries.
Since 2016, TMC has trained over 100 oncology professionals from Africa, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, through its TMC-Merck Foundation Scholarship Programme and the India-Africa Forum Summit Fellowship, among other initiatives.
