IAEA commends Pakistan’s efforts to fight cancer through PAEC

• Raphael Grossi says more than 100,000 people die of cancer in Pakistan.
• Cancer deaths are expected to increase by 75% by 2050, the IAEA chief warns.
• It adds that more than 10 million die from cancer every year worldwide.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has commended Pakistan for its effort to fight cancer by providing medical facilities through the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), the Foreign Office said on Wednesday.

In a video statement, IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi said more than 100,000 people die of cancer in Pakistan every year, with the number exceeding 10 million worldwide.

Warning that cancer deaths are expected to increase by 75% by 2050, Grossi stressed that developing countries are being hit hardest and therefore more must be done.

“That’s why I launched the IAEA’s ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative, supplying radiotherapy machines, conducting life-saving research and providing education and training around the world,” he remarked.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in this regard, the IAEA chief said that PAEC has established 21 cancer hospitals in the country and trained a fleet of professionals and congratulated the Pakistani authority for establishing the Institute of Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy (Nori).

Recalling his visit to Pakistan, Grossi said he discussed expanding Pakistan-IAEA cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear technology with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Noting that he witnessed diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with the inauguration of the country’s first CyberKnife facility, the IAEA DG said he was determined to expand access to safe radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging services.

“Technology becomes lifesaving only in the hands of well-trained experts,” he observed.

Congratulating Pakistan on this remarkable milestone, Grossi said the IAEA looks forward to continuing its vital work in addressing the cancer crisis.