The Principality of Monaco renews partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to combat cancer

Signature Accord AIEA © DR

On the margins of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held from 16–20 September 2024 in Vienna, Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation signed a funding agreement with Mr Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, on 17 September 2024 to renew the Rays of Hope initiative for the period 2024-2025, confirming the commitment of the Prince’s Government to fight cancer, one of the world’s most prevalent non-communicable diseases.

The Principality of Monaco has provided ongoing support for IAEA efforts to fight cancer since 2007 and particularly for the Rays of Hope initiative launched in 2022.

Monaco’s support is in line with the IAEA’s mandate to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for sustainable development and contributes to the achievement of SDG 3 to “ensure healthy lives and well-being for all” and target 3.4 in particular: “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 cases of cancer will be diagnosed each year, resulting in 13 million deaths. 70% of cancer deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries. The support provided by the Principality of Monaco for the Agency’s efforts to fight cancer helps these countries address this public health problem.

* To mark World Cancer Day, on 4 February 2022 the IAEA launched the Rays of Hope Initiative, aimed at supporting the establishment of radiotherapy facilities in countries which do not have any, and to reinforce resources in countries with existing infrastructure to ensure adequate cancer prevention and management services. After an initial pilot phase in 2022 in seven countries in Africa, Rays of Hope extended its scope of action to also include Latin America and Asia. The Principality of Monaco also provided funding for this initiative for the period 2022-2023.