Mobile clinic to boost early cancer in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: THE fight against cancer in Zanzibar received a significant boost with the arrival of a 272m/- mobile clinic, to transform the landscape of preventative healthcare by bringing lifesaving screenings directly to the people.

This specialised unit, donated by Aga Khan Health Service Tanzania (with support from the AFD and the Gates Foundation), is billed to be a proactive solution to the island’s biggest medical challenge: late-stage diagnosis.

The Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum said a new mobile clinic van will significantly improve early detection and treatment of cancer by bringing services closer to communities.

She said at a handover ceremony that while Zanzibar is developing rapidly, the health sector faces a critical challenge as many cancer cases are only detected at advanced stages when treatment options are tragically limited.

“Currently, most cancer cases identified at hospitals and health centres are already at advanced stages, which are difficult to treat,” she said.

Dr Saada commended Aga Khan Health Service Tanzania, the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Gates Foundation for supporting Zanzibar through the initiative, noting that the project will improve health outcomes and reduce cancer-related deaths.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the health sector to ensure continued improvements in service delivery for the people of Zanzibar.

Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network, Mr Amin Dawji, described the mobile clinic as a vital bridge connecting communities with essential health services and reliable information.

“This mobile clinic represents a shift from waiting for patients to come to health facilities to actively reaching them where they are,” he said.

He pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health to ensure the clinic is used effectively, communities are fully engaged and women are empowered with knowledge and access to essential services.

Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Health Service Tanzania, Sissawo Konteh, said the mobile clinic will focus on screening for cervical and breast cancer, particularly targeting women in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

“Timely access to early screening is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of cancer among women. This mobile clinic reflects our commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind due to distance or lack of services,” he said.

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Meanwhile, Project Lead for the East Africa Cancer Control Programme (EACwCP), Dr Sarah Maongezi, said the mobile unit is fully equipped with modern diagnostic tools and will operate in close coordination with Zanzibar’s Ministry of Health.

She explained that the clinic will provide outreach services across Unguja and Pemba, expanding access to cancer screening for thousands of women.