Zanzibar’s Health ministry signs cancer care agreement with Aga Khan Institution
The Zanzibar Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui (centre), speaking at the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding with the Aga Khan institution to combat cancer diseases on the island of Zanzibar.
What you need to know:
- The ministry is prioritising the training of healthcare providers to improve cancer management, a growing health challenge in the region. Mr Mazrui also highlighted the need for a specialised cancer hospital to meet increasing demand for comprehensive treatment and care.
Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Ministry of Health has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Aga Khan Foundation to strengthen cancer care services in the region.
Speaking after the signing ceremony on 24 March 2025, Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, said that the agreement will be in effect for four years and will provide vital support in the fight against cancer.
Under the agreement, Zanzibar will receive a specialised medical vehicle for cancer screening in villages across Unguja and Pemba. Additionally, healthcare workers and community service providers will undergo training to enhance their capacity in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“This agreement is an important step under the Government of France’s initiative to support cancer control projects in East African countries, including Kenya and Tanzania,” said Mr Mazrui. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with local and international stakeholders to improve cancer care services.
The ministry is prioritising the training of healthcare providers to improve cancer management, a growing health challenge in the region. Mr Mazrui also highlighted the need for a specialised cancer hospital to meet increasing demand for comprehensive treatment and care.
The Integrated Cancer Project Manager for East Africa, Dr Sara Jenifa Maongezi, outlined the initiative’s four key objectives, which include strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers in cancer prevention and early detection.
She said it was important to increase public awareness, particularly about cervical and breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Research focusing on cancer trends in East Africa is another major component of the initiative.
“The project will also promote cancer awareness in Zanzibar’s communities and ensure that nine-year-old children receive the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure against cervical cancer,” Dr Maongezi said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, hailed the agreement as a milestone in Zanzibar’s fight against cancer. He expressed optimism that by 2029, the project will have significantly advanced cancer treatment and management in the region.
