NNRA & IAEA HOSTS THE REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON AUTHORIZATION AND INSPECTION OF RADIOTHERAPY FACILITIES WITH LINEAR ACCELERATORS (LINACs)

NNRA & IAEA HOSTS THE REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON AUTHORIZATION AND INSPECTION OF RADIOTHERAPY FACILITIES WITH LINEAR ACCELERATORS (LINACs)

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) in Collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hosted the Regional Training Course (RTC) on Authorization and Inspection of Radiotherapy Facilities with Linear Accelerator (LINACs) from 22nd-26th May, 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The RTC was organized for member states of the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa (FNRBA) and the Arab Networks of Nuclear Regulators (ANNuR) with participants from Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Gabon, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria in attendance.

The objective of the training course was to strengthen the capacity of Staff of the regulatory bodies in carrying out their regulatory functions, which includes authorization, review and assessment, inspection and enforcement at facilities using linear accelerators in the practice of radiotherapy in Africa and the Middle East.

The DG/CEO NNRA Dr. Yau Idris in his welcome address stated that the importance of radiotherapy machines cannot be overemphasized as they are used by several countries for treatment and effective palliation to cancer patients. He added that, the training became necessary as there was need to seal up the gap between the operational competence and the current capacity of the effective regulatory oversight of LINAC facilities by regulatory bodies in developing countries. This, he said will assuage the safety concerns of the public and ensure workers and patients protection.

He thanked the IAEA for always taking the lead role in the capacity building of personnel involved in the management of safety of radiation technology thereby ensuring the protection of life, health, property and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. He appreciated the IAEA Experts for their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences, and also thanked the Management of the National Hospital, Abuja for availing its LINAC facility to be used for practical session.

Mr. Teodros Haliu who led the team of the IAEA Experts, in his remarks pointed out that the training is part of the IAEA's networking service of identifying and promoting best practices and safety standards, including implementing programs to assist member states in applying IAEA Safety Standards and providing recommendations for improvement. He thanked the Nigerian Government and the Management of NNRA for always striving to strengthen its national nuclear safety and security frameworks and by extension the globe at large.

The vote of thanks was delivered by the General Manager, Authorization and Enforcement, Mr. Adamu M. Hussaini who resonated the deep appreciation to the IAEA and the NNRA management for hosting the RTC.