On September 17, 2024, at the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held in Vienna, Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Monaco's Director General of External Relations and Cooperation, inked a crucial Financing Agreement with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. This accord, underpinning the 'Rays of Hope' initiative for the years 2024-2025, underscores Monaco's enduring dedication to the global fight against cancer, a predominant non-communicable disease plaguing numerous nations.
Since the inception of the Rays of Hope initiative in 2022, Monaco has been an ardent supporter, a continuation of its partnership with the IAEA that began in 2007. The initiative aims to establish and enhance radiotherapy facilities in countries lacking such essential medical infrastructure, with initial efforts focused on seven African nations and subsequent expansions reaching into Latin America and Asia. This strategic development not only fosters improved cancer prevention and treatment but also aligns with Monaco’s broader commitment to leveraging nuclear technology for peaceful, humanitarian purposes.
Monaco’s contribution is vital in the context of global health, particularly supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets significant reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one third by 2030. With cancer cases projected to reach 24 million annually by 2030, and with a disproportionate number of cancer deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, the Principality’s financial support to the Rays of Hope initiative is more crucial than ever in mitigating this worldwide health challenge.
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