Govt, IAEA to modernise cancer treatment centre

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The government has partnered with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to buy two leaner accelerators, sophisticated and more precise radiation treatment equipment to manage advanced and complex diseases at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI).

Health and Social Welfare minister Dr Seif Rashid said the cost of each machine ranges from US$2.8m to US$3.72m (about 6bn/- to 8bn/-). 

“The government will contribute 50 percent of the total procurement costs under the partnership,” he said.

Speaking to ‘The Guardian’ yesterday, the Health amd Social Welfare minister noted that discussions on the matter are at an advanced stage and procurement of the two equipment awaits completion of special buildings now under construction at the ORCI.

Dr Seif told reporter that only few African countries have managed to put in place the modern equipment to treat cancer patients.

According to the minister, the technology is a new system that offers oncologist teams the power to manage sophisticated cancer cases with unparalleled ease and precision in any part of the body. 

“It is a completely new solution that is more rapidly, powerful and that effortlessly integrates respiratory gating, imaging and treatment techniques,” he observed.

According to medical experts, the linear accelerator uses microwave technology (similar to that employed in radar) to accelerate electrons in part of the accelerator called the ‘wave guide’.

It then allows these electrons to collide with a heavy metal target, which as a result, high-energy X-rays are scattered from the target, he clarified. 

A portion of these X-rays is collected and then shaped to form a beam that matches the patient’s tumor.

Dr Rashid said the technology is incredibly important because cancer tumors and lesions don’t stay in the exact same place after each radiation therapy session. 

Meanwhile, Dr Rashid has advised youth to stop sexual interaction at early age since they risk contracting cervical cancer, a deadly disease arising from the cervix.

In another development, Health and Social Welfare minister said a team of health experts from the ministry is compiling a report on the implementation of a pilot vaccination against cervical cancer conducted in Kilimanjaro Region. 

The minister said much has been learnt during the exercise which targeted girl-child aged between nine and 13 years. 

He said the forthwith plan anticipated to be for early next year is to roll out a national vaccination programme. “Like any other vaccination carried out in the country, we expect huge support from the Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation—GAVI.”

Admitting challenges in implementing the plan, the minister said that was optimistic that proper arrangement would be conducted to redress this menace.

Welcoming the news, ORCI Radiotherapy Manager Dr Hemed Myanza said yesterday that the state initiative to buy two linear accelerators for the renowned centre in eastern and central Africa was highly recommended.

He acknowledged that construction for the planned buildings was progressing well and that according to the manager; radiotherapy machines at the institution were now active. 

He encouraged individuals to examine their health status, adding that early detection of cancer simplifies the treatment process.  

Government figures show that between 80 and 100 people succumb to cancer daily, which is equivalent to at least 40,000 Tanzanians threatened by the disease annually.