TANZANIA—Hosplan Tanzania and India’s Apollo Cancer Centre have announced a new partnership to bring advanced cancer treatments to patients in Tanzania.

This announcement was made during a recent symposium at Muhimbili National Hospital, where healthcare professionals gathered to learn about new and promising medications for blood and solid tumours.

Addressing attendees, Dr Punit Jain, a haematologist from Apollo Cancer Centre in Mumbai, emphasized the partnership’s goal of empowering Tanzanian healthcare professionals.

According to Dr Jain, introducing these advanced blood cancer medications primarily aims to equip local medical personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality cancer care.

 “Through shared expertise and the introduction of advanced treatment protocols, this partnership aims to bridge the gap in cancer care, significantly improving patient outcomes,” he explained.

Dr. Jain further highlighted that the presence of Apollo Cancer Centre in Tanzania underscores a broader commitment to enhancing global health.

He noted that the collaboration represents an opportunity to transform Tanzania into a regional center of excellence for cancer care through continuous knowledge exchange and cooperative efforts.

Dr. Jain explained that sharing advancements, particularly those in treatment methods, will bring world-class cancer treatment closer to Tanzanian patients and provide hope for better health outcomes.

Solid tumors, which are abnormal masses of tissue without cysts or liquid areas, were also discussed during the event.

These tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and the symposium’s primary focus was advancements in treatments for such conditions.

Dr. Nimrod Mtangwa, Coordinator of Healthcare Services at Hosplan Tanzania, shared that the organization has been actively organizing symposia and health camps to foster knowledge exchange between Tanzanian and Indian cancer experts.

“To guarantee the highest quality of care for our cancer patients, Hosplan has committed to organizing more such events, ensuring our healthcare providers are well-equipped with the latest cancer treatment,” he added.

Expressing his optimism, Tanzanian oncologist Dr. Heri Tungaraza described the new cancer drugs as a significant advancement in cancer treatment.

 He pointed out that these medications offer increased efficacy and have reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

“Their ability to deliver results with fewer adverse effects brings a new wave of hope for countless patients,” Dr. Tungaraza explained.

The symposium also shed light on groundbreaking global developments in cancer therapy, including innovations such as immunotherapies.

Immunotherapy techniques like monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy are among the promising treatments developed by researchers, including those at Apollo Cancer Centre.

 These approaches target and eliminate cancer cells more effectively, offering a glimpse into the future of cancer care

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