Tanzania opens radiation center for cancer patients: a facility that saves patients from having to seek treatment abroad.
Ahmed Salem
The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, inaugurated the Radiotherapy Building for Cancer Patients at the Northern Region Hospital of Appeal (KCMC) today, June 24, 2026, in Kilimanjaro District.
The opening of the radiotherapy building at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) represents a significant milestone in Tanzania's efforts to combat cancer, a disease that is claiming an increasing number of lives across East Africa.
It is expected that this facility will provide specialized treatment services for cancer patients from the Kilimanjaro region and surrounding areas, reducing the need for Tanzanians to seek costly medical treatment abroad.
Kilimanjaro Medical Center in Tanzania (KCMC)
The Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), located in Moshi at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the leading referral hospitals in Tanzania.
The center serves the northern region of the country, while also being a haven for patients from neighboring countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.
The establishment of a specialized radiotherapy center has contributed to enhancing the hospital's ability to provide comprehensive care for cancer patients under one roof.
Cancer: A thorn in Tanzania's side
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Tanzania, with thousands of new cases diagnosed annually, according to recent health statistics.
The country faces an increasing burden of infectious and non-infectious diseases, with cancer emerging as one of the most serious public health challenges.
Previously, many patients had to travel to distant medical facilities in Dar es Salaam or seek treatment in countries such as India, Kenya, and South Africa, incurring exorbitant costs that most families could not afford.
The new radiotherapy center helps to fill a critical gap in cancer treatment infrastructure in the northern regions of Tanzania.
Radiation therapy, which uses directed radiation to destroy cancer cells, is one of the three main pillars of cancer treatment, along with surgery and chemotherapy.
Thanks to the availability of this type of treatment at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, patients can now receive comprehensive cancer care close to their homes.
Tanzanian President: Intensive efforts to improve health services
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has shown a lasting commitment to improving healthcare services since taking office.
Her administration has prioritized investment in medical infrastructure and equipment across the country, recognizing that access to quality healthcare remains a major challenge for many Tanzanians. The opening of this facility aligns with broader government reforms in the health sector, aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
Advanced technologies at the radiotherapy center
The radiotherapy center includes state-of-the-art technology and is staffed by a team of trained oncology specialists, including radiation oncologists, medical physics experts, and specialist nurses.
These technological capabilities are essential for delivering safe and effective cancer treatment that meets international standards.
Healthcare experts: This development is widely welcomed
Healthcare experts welcomed this development, noting that it will significantly improve cancer survival rates in the region.
Early detection, along with timely access to radiation therapy, can greatly improve treatment outcomes for various types of cancer, including breast, cervical, prostate, and head and neck cancers.
Growing partnerships to meet healthcare needs
In addition, this project represents the result of cooperation between the government, the management of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), and several development partners who supported the establishment of this facility.
These partnerships have gained increasing importance in meeting the healthcare infrastructure needs in Tanzania, particularly with regard to specialized medical services that require huge investments.
As Tanzania continues to develop its healthcare system, facilities such as the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre’s radiotherapy center serve as a model for how strategic investments can improve access to life-saving treatments.
The opening ceremony is expected to attract healthcare stakeholders, government officials, and representatives from the medical community who recognize the transformative impact this facility will have on cancer care in northern Tanzania and the East African region in general.
