The Centre launches at a pivotal moment for Tanzania, a country that grapples with limited medical resources and escalating patient needs. The new facility is expected to drastically reduce the strain on the existing Ocean Road Cancer Institute, which currently shoulders the burden of the country's cancer care, and will enhance screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care capacity for up to 1.7 million people in the Dar es Salaam and Mwanza regions.
In her remarks to guests, Princess Zahra spoke of the quality of care that the new Centre will help to provide for patients in the region.
“Today, to see this incredible tertiary investment in Dar es Salaam,” she said, “is a testament not only to the progress that Tanzania is making in healthcare, progress that AKDN, the Aga Khan Health Services, and Aga Khan University are causing to happen in the countries where we work, but also to the vision of this system to be able to provide health care to millions at the primary level, but also provide advances to this level of care, where we're really seeing the height of technology in healthcare.”
The project stands as a testament to the potential of public-private partnerships. It has been spearheaded by the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) with support from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Tanzanian government, represented at the event by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Mashaka Biteko and Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu.
“The Centre will bring an outstanding improvement of cancer treatment opportunities in the country,” said Madame Céline Robert, Country Director for AFD. “Indeed, more than 1,000 patients each year, roughly, will be welcomed to this Centre with very high quality equipment and techniques.”
Guest of Honour Dr Biteko conveyed appreciation on behalf of Tanzania’s President, and commended AKDN’s many years of work in the country.
“Your decision to build a cancer treatment centre is another testament to your efforts, and this contribution to our country is truly commendable. We thank you very much,” he said.
Extending beyond the immediate upgrade of medical facilities, today’s launch signifies a commitment to capacity building, with a focus on bolstering care practices through outreach and education programmes in the local community. It also lays the groundwork for collaborative training and research initiatives—vital for advancing cancer care in the region.
With its cutting-edge facilities, the new building and its surroundings are especially designed to aid and support cancer patients and their families through the entire journey from diagnosis to treatment, remission and recovery, or where needed, palliative care.
The Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam has been through its own journey over the years. Since its establishment as a small dispensary in 1929 by Mawlana Sultan Mahomed Shah, the facility evolved to an inpatient hospital and now stands as a multi-service healthcare hub. It now offers renewed hope and vital services to millions: the new addition inaugurated today aims to diminish the incidence and mortality rates of cancer in the region through improved screening and treatment, and will save patients from having to travel abroad for oncology services.
It therefore contributes to AKHS’s aspiration for East Africa, ensuring that quality healthcare is available to all citizens, and offering access and treatment that can save lives. As the doors of this Centre open, they pave the way toward a healthier, brighter future for Tanzania and its people.
