IAEA's Rays of Hope Initiative: Significant Strides in Global Cancer Care

Cancer represents a significant global public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These regions experience nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths and often struggle with limited access to specialized care. The IAEA's Rays of Hope initiative utilizes nuclear science and technology to address this critical challenge in underserved regions. Since its launch in 2022 by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the initiative has made notable progress.

Key Achievements of Rays of Hope

The Rays of Hope initiative has achieved substantial milestones:

• Over 90 diagnostic and treatment equipment items have been procured for low- and middle-income countries, including ten linear accelerators and 55 mammography machines.
• More than 100 countries have officially joined the initiative.
• Over EUR 90 million in extrabudgetary funds has been successfully raised to support cancer care in participating nations.
• 18 Anchor Centres have been established, enhancing regional capacity.
• These centers have provided training to over 700 oncology professionals across all regions on the safe and optimal use of radiation medicine.

IAEA Director General Grossi stated: "Rays of Hope is changing the reality on the ground and is a concrete example of how the IAEA delivers. Hospitals are being built, technology is being transferred, but we can still do more to bring cancer care closer to people that need it the most."