Medicine and Nuclear: Together towards Tanzania’s high-tech future

DAR ES SALAAM: In recent years, Tanzania has emerged as a trailblazer in leveraging nuclear technologies to enhance its healthcare system.

By prioritising advanced medical solutions and fostering international collaborations, the country is reshaping how critical illnesses like cancer are diagnosed and treated.

These efforts are not only transforming the healthcare landscape but also underscoring the life-saving potential of peaceful nuclear applications.

At the heart of this transformation is Tanzania’s unwavering focus on improving cancer care.

The launch of the National Cancer Control Strategy in 2013 marked a turning point, introducing advanced radiation therapy as a cornerstone of cancer treatment. For the first time, many Tanzanians could access modern medical services without traveling abroad, signalling a new era in local healthcare capabilities.

Nuclear medicine was first introduced in Tanzania in the 1980s and has steadily expanded since then.

Today, Tanzania boasts a range of significant projects that contribute to this field. Among the most notable is the construction of the Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, where cancer patients have been receiving cobalt isotope brachytherapy since 2018. Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation therapy, allows for precise, targeted treatment of cancerous cells, minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

“Modern nuclear technologies can be applied not only in energy production but also in saving lives. Tanzania is emerging as a leader in nuclear medicine in East Africa.

Through investment in nuclear medicine, we are ensuring that our citizens have access to modern treatments and are taking steps towards a high-tech future,” comments Dr. Justine Ngaile, Director of Radiation Control for the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission.

In 2019, the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, one of Tanzania’s premier cancer treatment facilities, made substantial upgrades. With the purchase of new high-tech equipment, including linear accelerators and other radiotherapy machines, ORCI is now able to serve even more patients.

As of 2020, the institute serves over 65,000 patients including approximately 10,000 individuals who receive cancer screening services.

International cooperation has played a crucial role in the expansion of these services. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been instrumental in supporting Tanzania’s nuclear medicine initiatives, facilitating the introduction of new technologies such as PET scans and cyclotron systems. These advancements enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment of cancers, ensuring that Tanzania’s healthcare system remains at the forefront of medical technology.

In terms of nuclear medicine, Tanzania is making notable progress, especially compared to other countries in East Africa.

The operations at ORCI and Bugando Medical Centre have put Tanzania ahead of regional neighbours such as Kenya and Uganda, where nuclear medicine services are still developing. Tanzania’s institutions have benefited from partnerships with the IAEA, allowing for the acquisition of advanced diagnostic technologies like PET scans and brachytherapy units. This growth is positioning Tanzania as a rising hub for cancer treatment in the region.

While Tanzania is still catching up to African powerhouses like South Africa, which leads the continent in nuclear medicine with its advanced infrastructure and nuclear research reactors, the gap is narrowing.

Tanzania’s reliance on international cooperation for importing radiopharmaceuticals and upgrading equipment is helping to close the gap. As cancer rates rise across the continent, Tanzania’s focus on expanding access to high-tech treatments is more important than ever.
In 2020, the continent reported approximately 1.1 million new cancer cases and 711,429 cancer-related deaths. Projections indicate that by 2040, these numbers could double, reaching an estimated 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths annually. This alarming increase is driven by a combination of factors, including rapid population growth and aging, as well as shifts in lifestyle behaviors that elevate cancer risks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) anticipates a 70% rise in new cancer cases on the continent over the next two decades.

The government of Tanzania is committed to further developing its nuclear medicine capabilities as a part of its broader goal of socio-economic development.

According to the National Cancer Control Strategy, the government plans to continue expanding access to advanced medical technologies and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear science. This will involve close cooperation with international partners, including organisations like the IAEA and corporations with expertise in nuclear technology.

Strengthening safety and security mechanisms for the use of nuclear technologies remains a top priority. By enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring proper coordination between governmental and non-governmental entities, Tanzania aims to build a robust and sustainable framework for the peaceful application of nuclear science.

This framework will not only improve healthcare services but also contribute to the country’s overall development by fostering scientific and technological progress.

Nuclear medicine is a rapidly evolving field with new technologies being developed every year. Recently, scientists from Rosatom, one of the world’s leading nuclear energy companies, unveiled a concept design of a gamma detector for medical diagnostic equipment.

This new device will significantly expand access to radiation diagnostics, making it possible for more patients to receive the care they need.
The company is also among the top five global suppliers of medical isotopes, offering the broadest range of radionuclides available on the market. Its isotope products, including molybdenum-99, technetium-99m, iodine-131, lutetium-177, and actinium-225, are integral to modern diagnostics and treatment, supporting approximately 2.5 million diagnostic and therapeutic procedures worldwide every year.
Rosatom’s extensive reactor fleet ensures the sustainability and continuity of isotope supply. The corporation operates 14 production sites utilising various methods to manufacture over 300 different isotopes.

In 2024, the company increased its isotope exports by 7% compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing global demand for its medical products.
Rosatom’s contributions to the advancement of nuclear medicine don’t stop there.

The company has a strong scientific foundation, many years of experience in developing and implementing new technologies, and extensive and diverse technological resources. It has been actively fostering international cooperation in this field, as demonstrated by its recent efforts to host the BRICS International Forum on Nuclear Medicine in St. Petersburg.

This event brought together over 250 specialists from around the world, offering a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Such forums provide an opportunity for countries like Tanzania to benefit from global advancements in medical technology, accelerating their journey toward a high-tech future.

Tanzania’s journey in applying nuclear technology to medicine is continuing. As the government continues to invest in infrastructure and training, the potential for nuclear medicine to improve the quality of life for Tanzanians is immense.

The partnership between international organisations and Tanzanian institutions will be key to realising this potential. With access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise, Tanzania is well on its way to becoming a leader in the region for cancer care and other applications of nuclear medicine.

The progress already made is a strong indicator of what lies ahead. By continuing to embrace nuclear technology, Tanzania is not only investing in the health of its people but also positioning itself as a hub for medical innovation in East Africa.