Canada Supports IAEA "Rays of Hope" Initiative for the First Time, Will Provide Medical Isotope Training for Latin America

The Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council (CNIC) announced on September 10 that Canada has for the first time formally provided support to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “Rays of Hope” initiative, and will help enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity in Latin America through training in the production of medical radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals.

The “Rays of Hope” initiative aims to expand access to cancer treatment and radiotherapy infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries. Under the arrangement, from November 8 to 14, 26 relevant sector leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Mexico will travel to Ontario, Canada, to participate in a training program jointly organized by Bruce Power and McMaster University.

The training will cover topics including the production, quality control and regulatory compliance of medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, combining theoretical instruction with practical technical training. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that cross-border cooperation, private-sector partnerships and training are at the core of the “Rays of Hope” initiative, and called this CNIC-led training “action for the peaceful use of atomic energy.”

Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said that nuclear technology plays a role in saving lives, and Ontario is taking a leading role in related fields. Canada's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, Alison Grant, said that Canada is an important player in the medical isotope field, and sharing relevant expertise helps expand access to nuclear medicine services.

CNIC President James Scongack said that Canada has an opportunity to share its expertise in the medical isotope and radiopharmaceutical field, and CNIC looks forward to this project becoming the beginning of more Canadian contributions to follow.

The program is supported by Bruce Power, BWXT Medical, CANDU Energy Inc. and Laurentis Energy Partners, with additional funding from Nordion, and training facility support from McMaster University and AtomVie Global Radiopharma Inc. CNIC is an independent non-profit advocacy and membership services organization representing more than 130 organizations in Canada's isotope and nuclear supply chain.