Tanzania has joined other countries around the world in commemorating Childhood Eye Cancer Awareness Week, with parents and guardians urged to closely monitor the eye health of children under the age of five in order to detect early signs of Retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer that affects children.
The call was made today, May 15, 2026, in Dodoma by the Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Elihudi Eliakimu, who represented the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Magembe, during national commemorations held at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
Dr. Eliakimu said the disease can be successfully treated if detected early and if affected children are taken to health facilities for diagnosis and treatment in time.
He emphasized that delays in identifying symptoms contribute significantly to blindness and deaths among children.
He explained that the aim of the awareness week is to increase public understanding of childhood eye cancer and encourage families and caregivers to seek medical attention immediately whenever they notice unusual changes in a child’s eyes.
“Retinoblastoma mainly affects children under five years old and can affect one or both eyes. If left untreated, it can destroy the entire eye, lead to removal of the eye, or even cause death,” said Dr. Eliakimu.
He added that studies conducted in Tanzania show that many children are brought to hospitals too late, with some arriving nearly 10 months after the first symptoms appear.
According to global statistics, one child in every 18,000 live births is born with Retinoblastoma. Research in Africa also indicates that only 20 to 48 percent of children diagnosed with the disease survive for five years after diagnosis, largely due to delayed treatment.
Dr. Eliakimu urged parents to ensure their children undergo eye examinations at least once a year to help detect eye-related complications early.
Meanwhile, the Director of Medical Services from the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hamad Nyembea, said that in 2025 more than 290,000 children underwent eye screening in Tanzania, with 39 percent diagnosed with non-communicable eye diseases.
He noted that the government has continued strengthening eye care services across the country through regional hospitals, adding that out of 28 government regional hospitals, 21 already have eye specialists.
“We currently have 31 eye specialists serving in regional hospitals, a major achievement that has improved access to specialized eye care services,” said Dr. Nyembea.
He further explained that eye care services require substantial investment, noting that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least one specialized pediatric eye care facility for every 10,000 people.
On his part, the Acting Director of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dr. Henry Humba, said the hospital has identified seven cases of Retinoblastoma, with three children successfully treated and recovered.
He said the hospital plans to construct a special building dedicated to eye care services and training due to the increasing demand for treatment of eye diseases, including Retinoblastoma.
“Statistics show that between 100 and 150 children are diagnosed with Retinoblastoma every year in Tanzania, which highlights the urgent need to expand specialized services and equipment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Judith Mollel, a parent of a child battling eye cancer, appealed to the government to integrate eye screening services into maternal and child health clinics (RCH) as well as clinic cards to enable early detection among children.
She said many parents still lack awareness about the early warning signs of the disease, leading to delays in seeking treatment.
This year’s Childhood Eye Cancer Awareness Week is being observed under the theme: “Childhood Eye Cancer: Unity in Diversity.”
