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Strengthening Radiation Safety in Africa: RAF9070 Coordination Meeting
The first coordination meeting of the RAF9070 “Enhancing the Radiation Safety Infrastructure” project was held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 13 to 17 May 2024. Hosted by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the meeting brought together officials from 32 African countries, IAEA experts, project scientific consultants, and representatives from the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA).
The meeting focused on assessing national radiation safety infrastructure across Africa and identifying the IAEA’s support in strengthening regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and compliance with IAEA Safety Standards. Discussions also covered the Technical Cooperation (TC) Programme 2024-2027, which aims to enhance radiation safety through training, expert missions, and equipment procurement.
At the joint opening session, key dignitaries, including Nigeria’s Ministers of Health and Petroleum Resources, IAEA officials, and regulatory heads, emphasized the crucial role of regulatory bodies in ensuring radiation safety across sectors like health, industry, energy, and agriculture. The IAEA highlighted alarming gaps in radiotherapy access, with 75% of African countries lacking radiotherapy services and 20 nations without a single radiotherapy center. The RAF9070 project was recognized as a key enabler in bridging these gaps and ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
The Radiation Protection Authority was part of this meeting, and the Executive Director highlighted how this initiative aligns with IAEA’s Rays of Hope, supporting cancer care expansion while ensuring radiation safety compliance across Africa. Strong partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building efforts remain essential in achieving these goals.
