The government of Tanzania has allocated land in Arusha for the construction of a cancer drug manufacturing plant and a Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment. The projects aim to expand access to cancer medicines and specialised services. Arusha Constituency Member of Parliament, Paul Makonda, announced that preparations for the project are underway. The plant will manufacture cancer medicines for Tanzania and other African countries.
The planned investment is expected to create employment opportunities for residents of Arusha. The Centre of Excellence will provide modern cancer treatment services in the city. Mr. Makonda made the remarks on the sidelines of the Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of Public Institutions (C-CEOs) Forum 2026 in Arusha. He also spoke about an ongoing cancer screening camp at Kaloleni Hospital, conducted in collaboration with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
The cancer screening camp at Kaloleni Hospital has screened over 400 Arusha residents since it began on September 28. The camp, conducted in collaboration with the MP's office and health facilities in Arusha City, offers free screening services. Ocean Road Cancer Institute Executive Director, Dr. Diwani Msemo, said women mainly tested for cervical and breast cancer, while men were screened for prostate and skin cancer.
Dr. Msemo emphasized that early detection increases the chances of successful treatment while reducing treatment costs. Some residents have been found with early signs of cancer and received treatment, while those requiring further investigations have been referred to ORCI for additional tests and treatment. The institute is also working towards establishing a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant to produce cancer medicines locally.
The government has separately stated that the Arusha cancer centre will also have a cancer medicine manufacturing plant. The announcement comes as ORCI advances plans to decentralise specialised cancer services, with cancer centres planned for Arusha, Kigoma and Mtwara. This will reduce the need for patients to travel to Dar es Salaam for cancer treatment.
Mr. Makonda urged Arusha residents to take advantage of the ongoing cancer screening camp at Kaloleni Hospital. He said the initiative has brought specialists closer to the people, saving them transport, accommodation and food costs. Residents found to have cancer indicators will continue to be followed up by ORCI and, where necessary, referred to the institute for further investigation and treatment.
The cancer drug manufacturing plant and Centre of Excellence are expected to be completed soon, with the site for the plant already available. The remaining procedures are being completed before construction begins. Residents will be involved in the foundation-stone laying ceremony once construction starts. The projects will not only provide access to medicines but also create jobs in Arusha Constituency.
Key points
- The government of Tanzania has allocated land in Arusha for the construction of a cancer drug manufacturing plant and a Centre of Excellence for cancer treatment.
- The cancer screening camp at Kaloleni Hospital has screened over 400 Arusha residents since it began on September 28.
- The projects aim to expand access to cancer medicines and specialised services, and create employment opportunities for residents of Arusha.
