IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Today, we returned to take stock:

• More than 90 countries have joined
• Over €90 million mobilized
• Hospitals upgraded
• PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
• Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
• Staff trained and networks developed

Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital - one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →