Kilimanjaro -The United States has finished the second phase of the construction of the Cancer Radiation Center at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), bringing this vital facility one step closer to completion. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the USAID American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program, the United States funded the construction in partnership with the Government of Tanzania.

The Cancer Care Centre (CCC) in Kilimanjaro will be a “full-service” facility, bringing radiation therapy within reach for people living hundreds of miles away, addressing a significant gap in Tanzania’s cancer care. Currently, Tanzania has only two cancer centers, serving a population of over 62 million people. Thus, the planned radiation therapy offered by this center will provide essential treatment care for cancer patients. The Center currently manages over 900 new cancer cases annually, with an estimated 65% of patients needing radiation therapy.

“USAID’s ASHA program supports overseas schools, libraries, hospitals, and centers to strengthen partnerships between Americans and people in other countries,” said USAID ASHA program Officer and Analyst Azara Turaki during her recent visit to monitor the progress of the construction project. “USAID’s support of this cancer radiation center is a tangible symbol of the United States’ steadfast commitment to supporting Tanzania in building a stronger, more resilient healthcare system.”

Construction of the Cancer Care Center began in August 2021, with an initial investment of $1.3 million from the Tanzanian government. USAID’s ASHA project, in partnership with the Foundation for Cancer Care Tanzania (FCCT), a U.S.-based nonprofit, has contributed a total of $2.9 million for both construction and for the purchasing of state-of-the-art equipment.