China, IAEA collaborate to train radiation therapy physicists for Africa

The China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently started a training program to cultivate radiation therapy physicists for African countries.

Under the IAEA's "Rays of Hope" initiative, this three-month training program, launched in Chengdu, the capital city of the southwestern province of Sichuan, will train radiation therapy physicists for cancer and tumor treatment. It aims to improve healthcare standards and enhance the health and well-being of people in Africa.

The training program includes 16 trainees from 15 African countries, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso and Namibia.

It covers a range of content, including theoretical instruction on the fundamentals and standards of nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. It also includes simulated and hands-on training in treatment planning, quality control, and quality assurance.

Additionally, the program features case studies on common cancers and tumors in Africa, as well as specialized lectures by renowned Chinese experts in medical physics, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.

Radiation therapy physicists play a crucial role in the radiation diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and tumors.

As nuclear science and technology have a wide range of applications in the field of health and medicine, African countries have an urgent need for capacity building and talent development in areas such as nuclear medicine, radioactive pharmaceuticals, and the control of zoonotic diseases.

The "Rays of Hope" initiative offers technical support and assistance, including infrastructure, specialized equipment, personnel training, and quality assurance, to help middle- and low-income countries, particularly those in Africa, enhance their capabilities in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases such as cancer and tumors.

China, in collaboration with the IAEA, has provided nuclear medicine technology support, expert assistance, and personnel training to several African countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria and Morocco.