STANNAIJA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has decried the lack of a single radiotherapy machine for cancer treatment in 28 African countries. Yukiya Amano, Director-General of IAEA, said millions of people continued to suffer from cancer in developing countries, due to lack of access to effective prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment. Mr. Amano, at an event commemorating World Cancer Day, called for continued efforts to ensure greater access to vital cancer services to prevent millions of people from cancer deaths annually. “Twenty-eight African countries do not have a single radiotherapy machine”, he said. He did not identify the countries. “The IAEA will continue to work hard to change that, and to improve facilities in other regions of the world where the need is also great. “We will strive to continuously improve the services we offer our Member States so they can provide better care – and hope – for their people,” he stressed. He noted that a