The partnership between the German non-profit business ATEGRIS Regionalholding GmbH, the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mülheim and the ELCT-Nyakahanga DD Hospital in Kagera Region in the north of Tanzania focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological cancer.
Problem: In Tanzania, breast cancer is often fatal because the symptoms are not recognised at an early stage. Many women are unaware that the disease can be detected early on if they examine their own breasts. Screening programmes for breast and cervical cancer in Tanzania are not available nationwide, nor are they sufficient.
Main activities: At training sessions and in dialogue with German colleagues, staff from the partner hospital learn to diagnose cancer at an early stage and to teach women to examine their own breasts. A gynaecologist and a nurse from the gynaecology department at the partner hospital attend advanced training at the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mülheim. Reciprocal visits of medical professionals from the partner hospitals is to ensure a regular exchange of knowledge. Campaigns are to raise the awareness of the population.
Short-term results: Breast cancer is identified at an earlier stage and treated more successfully in the partner hospital.
Long-term results: The chances of survival of breast cancer patients in Tanzania are to be increased.