IAEA expands global partnership to boost radiation medicine for cancer care
The IAEA announced plans to deepen collaboration under its Rays of Hope programme to widen access to radiation-based diagnosis and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
The International Atomic Energy Agency is stepping up its Rays of Hope initiative to broaden the reach of radiation-based cancer services worldwide. Lisa Stevens emphasized the push for stronger ties with both established and emerging partners to ensure sustainable care in low- and middle-income regions. May Abdel-Wahab warned that the expected surge in cancer incidence will demand far more resources, noting stark disparities in access to advanced imaging such as PET scanners.
Since its 2022 launch, the programme has delivered more than 150 major devices and trained over 170 specialists, while establishing 20 Anchor Centres for regional capacity building. The agency also called for a 60 % increase in the global cancer workforce by 2050 to avert millions of deaths and generate substantial economic benefits. Future efforts will focus on workforce development, technology transfer and integrating the Anchor Centre network into national health systems.
Why it matters
Improving access to radiation medicine could dramatically reduce future cancer deaths, especially in poorer countries.
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