The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have recently launched a collaborative training program aimed at cultivating radiation therapy physicists from African countries.
Under the IAEA’s “Rays of Hope” initiative, the three-month program kicked off in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China. The program brings together 16 trainees from 15 African nations, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Namibia, to enhance their skills in cancer and tumor treatment through radiation therapy.
The comprehensive training covers theoretical instruction on the fundamentals and standards of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Participants engage in simulated and hands-on training in treatment planning, quality control, and quality assurance. The curriculum also incorporates case studies on common cancers and tumors prevalent in Africa, complemented by specialized lectures from eminent Chinese experts in medical physics, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy physicists play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and tumors. As nuclear science and technology find expansive applications in health and medicine, many African countries face an urgent need for capacity building and talent development in nuclear medicine, radioactive pharmaceuticals, and the control of zoonotic diseases.
The “Rays of Hope” initiative provides technical support and assistance, including infrastructure development, specialized equipment provision, personnel training, and quality assurance. This support aims to help middle- and low-income countries, particularly those in Africa, enhance their capabilities in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases like cancer and tumors.
China’s collaboration with the IAEA extends beyond this program. Together, they have provided nuclear medicine technology support, expert assistance, and personnel training to several African countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Morocco. This ongoing partnership underscores a commitment to improving healthcare standards and enhancing the health and well-being of people across the African continent.
Reference(s):
China, IAEA collaborate to train African radiation therapy physicists
cgtn.com
