Summary:
The Principality of Monaco renews its commitment with the IAEA to fight against cancer, signing a funding agreement for the “Rays of Hope” initiative for the period 2024-2025, contributing to the global fight against cancer and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Full Story:
Monaco has renewed its commitment to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the fight against cancer. Isabelle ROSABRUNETTO, Director General of the Department of External Relations and Cooperation, signed a financing agreement with Mr. Rafael Mariano GROSSI, Director General of the IAEA, to support the “Rayons d’espoir” initiative for the period 2024-2025. This agreement reaffirms the Principality of Monaco’s commitment to combating cancer, one of the leading non-communicable diseases globally.
Monaco has been supporting the IAEA’s efforts in the fight against cancer since 2007, particularly through the “Rayons d’espoir” initiative since 2022. The Principality’s support aligns with the Agency’s mandate to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology in favor of economic and human development. It also contributes to achieving SDG 3 on “good health and well-being for all,” specifically target 3.4: “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.”
By 2030, it is estimated that 24 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed annually, leading to 13 million deaths. 70% of cancer-related deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries. Monaco’s support to the IAEA’s cancer control efforts helps address this public health challenge in these countries.
The “Rayons d’espoir” initiative, launched by the IAEA on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2022, aims to support the establishment of radiotherapy units in countries lacking them and strengthen countries with existing infrastructure to adequately prevent and manage cancer. After a pilot phase in 2022 targeting seven countries in Africa, the initiative expanded its scope to Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Monaco had provided financial support to this initiative for the 2022-2023 period.
Source:
Gouvernement Monaco
