IAEA Advisory Mission visits Rwanda

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on Thursday, completed a four-day Advisory Mission to Rwanda to assist the country establish a regulatory infrastructure for the control of radiation sources. The use of radiation is a cross-cutting technology relevant to various fields including health, construction, industry, agriculture and security equipment. The IAEA delegation made presentations to a multi-stakeholder audience from more than 20 institutions on the various uses of radiation materials and technologies, as well as the importance of putting appropriate measures in place to protect the public from harmful side effects. Dr. Emmanuel Rudakemwa, a consultant radiologist at King Faisal Hospital-Kigali and participant in the seminar, told The New Times that the use of radiation technologies is not new, particularly in the medical field. He emphasized that there is political will on the part of the Government to streamline regulation on the use of radiation. The seminar closed with an IAEA presentation of a draft report evaluating the current status of Rwanda’s regulatory framework and providing recommendations for actions and improvements including the completion of a law establishing a regulatory body. Speaking to seminar participants, the Minister of Infrastructure Albert Nsengiyumva stressed the need for a national committee to be established to encourage collaboration across institutions in order to fast track the initiative. The IAEA assists countries in improving their scientific and technological capabilities in the peaceful application of nuclear technology. Rwanda joined 157 other countries as an IAEA Member State in September this year.

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IAEA Advisory Mission visits Rwanda