ARUSHA: MINISTER for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda has urged men across Tanzania to make regular health check-ups, including cancer screening, part of their routine.
Makonda who also doubles as the Arusha Urban legislator, made the call while presenting a report on the implementation of a free medical outreach programme, which provided various healthcare services to 9,949 men in Arusha.
He explained that despite the large number of men who benefited from the campaign, most did not undergo cancer screening, highlighting the need for greater awareness of the importance of early detection.
Makonda noted that women recorded a significantly higher turnout for cancer screening than men, underscoring the need for more targeted efforts to encourage men to seek regular health checks.
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According to him, early screening could help detect diseases before they become advanced, increasing the chances of successful treatment and reducing the risk of serious complications.
Makonda further said the free medical outreach programme was designed to improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for low-income residents who may struggle to afford medical services.
“Our priority in Arusha constituency has been to restore hope and put smiles back on the faces of our people through improved healthcare services, recognising that many members of our community live under difficult economic circumstances,” he said.