The government has stepped up efforts to strengthen early cancer detection in Tanzania after the Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, launched a mobile cancer clinic designed to reach women in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The specially equipped vehicle, unveiled at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH) in Dodoma, will provide screening services for cervical and breast cancer, targeting women who often face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities in urban centres.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve cancer prevention and early diagnosis, particularly among women in rural communities where awareness and access to screening remain limited.
Speaking during the launch, Mr Mchengerwa directed health workers across the country to maintain high levels of professionalism, dedication and discipline in service delivery, stressing that quality healthcare depends on strong commitment from frontline workers.
He warned against unethical practices such as corruption, saying such behaviour undermines public trust and damages the reputation of both health institutions and the government.
“Health workers must remain committed to serving wananchi with integrity. Services should be delivered efficiently at all times morning, afternoon and night so that we achieve real results for the people,” he said.
He further emphasized the need for improved performance at BMH, noting that strong service delivery would support ongoing efforts to elevate the facility to national hospital status.
He also called on hospital leadership to strengthen internal communication and regularly remind staff of their responsibilities to ensure accountability and efficiency.
The Resident Coordinator of the East Africa Women’s Cancer Project, Dr Sara Maongezi, said the four-year programme, which began in 2025, is focused on reducing the impact of cancer among women through improved health systems, better equipment and outreach services.
She said the mobile clinic, valued at Sh272 million, will play a key role in extending screening services to rural populations who cannot easily access hospital-based care.
“This mobile clinic will help bring screening for cervical and breast cancer closer to women in villages and remote areas where access to hospitals is limited,” she said.
Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Executive Director, Prof Abel Makubi, said the project builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in 2025 between BMH and the Aga Khan Health Services, focusing on training, research and improved treatment services.
He noted that the initiative is expected to benefit around 14 million people in Dodoma and surrounding regions in the Central Zone, significantly improving access to cancer care and strengthening the health system’s outreach capacity.
