Tanzania Takes Huge Leap in Cancer Treatment

Tanzania Takes Huge Leap in Cancer Treatment

Tanzania Takes Huge Leap in Cancer Treatment

TANZANIAN cancer patients stand to benefit from a new partnership between Hosplan and India’s Apollo Cancer Centre which aims to bring advanced treatments to the country.

Through a recent symposium held at Muhimbili National Hospital, medical professionals were introduced to new medications for treating blood and solid tumours.

Speaking at the symposium, Hematologist at Apollo Cancer Centre Mumbai, India, Dr Punit Jain, said that these new medications for treating blood cancers are primarily aimed at empowering local healthcare professionals to provide better care.

“We want to empower Tanzanian healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to deliver world-class cancer care. By sharing expertise and introducing advanced treatment protocols, the partnership aims to bridge the gap in cancer care and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr Jain.

He added, “Our presence in Tanzania is a testament to our commitment to global health, through knowledge exchange and collaboration, we aim to establish Tanzania as a centre of excellence for cancer care in the region.”

ALSO READ: Govt commits more funds for cancer

Solid tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue that usually does not contain cysts or liquid areas they may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer).

Coordinator of Healthcare Services at Hosplan-Tanzania, Dr Nimrod Mtangwa, said that to ensure the provision of quality care to cancer patients.

“Hosplan has organised various symposia and health camps to facilitate knowledge exchange between Tanzanian and Indian cancer experts,” he said.

Dr Heri Tungaraza, a Tanzanian oncologist, expressed enthusiasm about the new medications.

“These drugs represent a significant leap forward in cancer therapy,” he said. “Their efficacy and reduced side effects offer hope to countless patients and have fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy,”

Scientists worldwide, including those at Apollo Cancer Centre, have made significant progress in developing innovative cancer treatments. Immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy, have shown promise in targeting and eliminating cancer cells.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Tanzania Foreign Investment News
Chief Editor

Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease

Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.

President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.

“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”

A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.

“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.

WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.

“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”

Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.

“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”

Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.

In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.

Source: allafrica.com

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