IAEA’s Ray of Hope will change narrative on cancer in Nigeria, Africa – Aisha Buhari
First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Buhari has commended the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for launching the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative to increase access to radiotherapy for cancer patients in low to middle-income countries that have the highest cancer rates and lowest rates in screening, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment.
She was speaking while receiving a team from the IAEA on a courtesy visit, on Tuesday.
Mrs. Buhari said she was particularly happy with the visit because of her involvement in cancer advocacy and her experiences which exposed her to identify gaps in the sector, and she called on the IAEA to do more to reduce the casualty figures for cancer in Africa. She said advocacy for cancer therapy is important because most patients who can afford proper cancer management usually travels abroad to get it, while the majority of patients, who are unable, remain with little or no management care.
She further expressed optimism that ‘Rays of Hope’ will change the narrative on cancer in Nigeria and Africa.
“My foundation in collaboration with some development partners has done a lot in the area of improvement of healthcare delivery in Nigeria, and would like to leave a lasting legacy in that regard,” she said.
Mrs Buhari also promised to support IAEA in cancer advocacy.
Earlier, the Chairman, Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission, Professor Yusuf A. Ahmed, said the courtesy call was aimed at bringing to the attention of the First Lady, the work of the IAEA in the area of the peaceful use of atomic energy, and the provision of support to countries in implementing their nuclear science and technology agenda; areas he drew as examples include cancer treatment, water resources, agriculture, and environment.
He said the IAEA is aware of the efforts of the First Lady in the area of health advocacy and support and desires a partnership with Future Assured Foundation as a veritable platform for interface with communities in Nigeria.
