On June 7-8, 2023, CRDF Global hosted the Virtual Symposium on Improving Access to Radiation Medicine in West Africa via Zoom. This event, in support of the Sustained Dialogue on Peaceful Uses (SDPU), focused on expanding the discussion around access to nuclear science and technology as a development tool in healthcare. Participants engaged in discussions on topics including equipment maintenance, improving workflow and patient experience, and public education and outreach in a variety of formats with the aim of generating discussion on how the SDPU program can enhance existing work and enable new projects to increase access to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy in West Africa. Key stakeholders included the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ghana’s Ministry of Health, and representatives from academia, industry, regulatory bodies, government, and private institutions.
These discussions focused on addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being) with a particular focus on Target 3.4 focused on reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases like cancer and Target 3.c focused on increasing sustainable financing to health systems. The discussions also supported progress on related goals including SDG9 (Industry Innovation & Infrastructure), and SDG12 (Responsible Consumption).
For any questions on this event, please reach out to the organizer, SDPU@crdfglobal.org.
