Tanzania has taken a decisive step in strengthening its fight against cancer, with the Ministry of Health launching a Regional Advisory Committee for the Cancer Registry in Mbeya an initiative expected to transform how the country collects and uses health data.
The move is aimed at fixing long-standing gaps in cancer statistics, particularly from primary healthcare facilities, which have limited the government’s ability to plan effectively for prevention and treatment services.
Speaking during the launch, Acting Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Edith Bakari, said the new Population-Based Cancer Registry system will ensure that every diagnosed case is properly recorded, helping authorities build a clear national picture of the disease.
For years, health officials have relied heavily on data from referral hospitals, leaving out critical information from dispensaries and health centres where many patients first seek care.
According to Bakari, the newly formed committee will close that gap by coordinating data collection across all levels of the healthcare system.
“Accurate and timely data is the foundation of effective healthcare planning,” she said, noting that better statistics will guide investment decisions, improve service delivery, and shape policies tailored to the real burden of cancer in communities.
In Mbeya, where cases of non-communicable diseases are steadily rising, regional health leaders welcomed the initiative as both timely and necessary.
Representing the Regional Medical Officer, NCD Coordinator Dr Reinfridy Chombo said the registry will strengthen the region’s ability to respond to the growing demand for cancer services.
He stressed that the success of the programme will depend on the commitment of experts selected to run the registry, urging them to prioritise accuracy, coordination, and accountability in their work.
At the service delivery level, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital one of the key centres for specialised care in the Southern Highlands said the registry will directly support ongoing efforts to expand cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Acting Executive Director Dr Lazaro Mboma noted that the hospital has already seen increased investment in modern equipment and skilled personnel, positioning it as a critical hub for cancer care. With better data, he said, such investments can be more targeted and impactful.
“We are strengthening our capacity to serve patients, and this registry will help ensure that resources match the actual needs on the ground,” he said, while encouraging wananchi to seek early screening and treatment.
The initiative has also drawn support from international partners, including the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, reflecting growing global recognition of the role data plays in combating non-communicable diseases.
Health experts say population-based cancer registries are essential tools in modern healthcare systems, enabling countries to track trends, identify high-risk populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions over time.
For Tanzania, the Mbeya registry is expected to serve as a model for expanding similar systems across the country bringing the nation closer to a data-driven approach in tackling one of its most pressing health challenges.
