IAEA Expands Cancer Care Access in Over 100 Countries via Nuclear Science
The IAEA has launched a global health initiative called Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All, which focuses on expanding radiotherapy access in more than 100 countries. Radiotherapy is essential for effective cancer treatment, and many low- and middle-income countries lack adequate facilities or equipment.
To address this, the IAEA has mobilized over 90 million euros in extrabudgetary funding, enabling the delivery of 10 linear accelerators and 55 mammography units to underserved regions. The initiative collaborates with governments, financial institutions, and the private sector to bridge gaps in cancer care infrastructure.
Beyond cancer, IAEA-supported nuclear science techniques contribute to improved diagnosis and management of heart disease, better nutritional assessments through body composition analysis, and enhanced monitoring of zoonotic diseases, which are infections transmitted between animals and humans.
These advancements have significant implications for global health, particularly in resource-limited settings where traditional diagnostic methods may be unavailable or inadequate. The IAEA's support helps countries strengthen health systems and improve patient outcomes worldwide.
