MINISTER UMMY MWALIMU INVESTS MORE IN PREVENTION THAN CURE

In a recent address, the Minister of Health, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, MP, urged Tanzanians to invest more in prevention and not cure in order to reduce medical costs and avoid non-communicable diseases, including cancer, by exercising and focusing on a better lifestyle.

On 20 April 2024, Minister Ummy made the aforementioned call following a walk held to contribute to the construction of the MEWATA Maternity Hospital – the Well Women Centre (WWC) located in Mbweni in Dar Es Salaam.

The walk was held with the intention of initiating a fundraising campaign to contribute to the construction of the MEWATA Maternity Hospital – WWC. This is a crucial endeavour, as it will enhance the efficiency of services for women and children in Tanzania. Furthermore, Minister Ummy stated that according to the figures of the United Nations Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for 2020, there has been a gradual increase in the prevalence of breast cancer and cervical cancer in the country over time.

“Out of every 100,000 people, 10 people are diagnosed with breast cancer and 25 people per 100,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. It is therefore imperative that we test and treat cancer, as early detection can prevent its occurrence.” Minister Ummy has emphasised the importance of early cancer detection and treatment. She stated that the government will continue to ensure that cancer prevention and treatment services are available throughout the country by increasing the number of screening and initial treatment centres for cervical and breast cancer. This will enable early diagnosis and treatment, reducing the mortality rates associated with these cancers.

Minister Ummy also highlighted the need to educate women about the importance of cervical and breast cancer screening. He stated that the government will support MEWATA to reach all urban and rural women with education and health services, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of cervical and breast cancer.

Furthermore, Minister Ummy took the opportunity to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated against cervical cancer, emphasising that the vaccine is safe and does not have any side effects.

In addition, Mchinga Member of Parliament Hon. Salma Kikwete, who is also a guardian of MEWATA, has stated that the Institute has conducted numerous campaigns in eleven (11) regions of this country to educate women and perform preliminary screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer.

These campaigns have been instrumental in demonstrating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cervical cancer and breast cancer.

Tanzania Media