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Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), a subsidiary of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a non-denominational development organization led by spiritual leader Shah Karim al-Husayni, the Aga Khan IV, has inaugurated a $6 million state-of-the-art cancer care center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The center will serve as a key hub for the innovative Tanzania Comprehensive Cancer Project (TCCP).
New cancer center to aid 1.7 million
Cancer is a growing public health concern in Tanzania, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), ranking as the fourth leading cause of death. Limited access to diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care are major challenges.
The new center, located at the Aga Khan Hospital, is expected to benefit up to 1.7 million people in the Dar es Salaam and Mwanza regions. It marks a significant advancement in the fight against cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa by improving access to critical healthcare services for Tanzanians battling the disease.
Public-private partnership delivers cancer care to Tanzania
The cutting-edge Cancer Care Centre (CCC) is a pivotal achievement of the TCCP, a collaborative effort funded by France and the AKDN through a public-private partnership (PPP).
Princess Zahra Aga Khan, chair of the AKHS Executive Committee, emphasized the organization’s commitment to improving healthcare in Tanzania. “This investment in Dar es Salaam is a testament to Tanzania’s progress in healthcare, progress that AKDN and its agencies are helping to drive,” she said. Princess Zahra expressed appreciation to all involved and highlighted the AKDN health system’s vision of providing primary care to millions alongside advanced specialty care.
Fostering self-sufficiency through healthcare and education
Philanthropist and spiritual leader Aga Khan IV established the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to tackle critical challenges, empower communities, and promote self-reliance. The network, which includes the Aga Khan University Hospital, delivers essential healthcare services in underserved regions, setting a high bar for global healthcare standards.
Spanning over 30 countries, the AKDN embodies Aga Khan IV’s transformative vision and unwavering commitment. Its enduring focus on purpose, strategic direction, and philanthropic principles shapes its global impact.
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of three AKDN agencies with a health focus, alongside the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan University. Collectively, they provide quality healthcare to eight million people annually and collaborate on planning, staff training, and resource development.
