IAEA lauds Pakistan’s efforts to combat cancer via PAEC

NEW YORK
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has commended Pakistan for its effort to combat cancer via the provision of medical facilities through the PAEC, the Foreign Office said on Wednesday. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said that more than 100,000 people die from cancer in Pakistan each year, with the number surpassing 10 million globally. Warning that cancer deaths were expected to rise by 75% by 2050, Grossi stressed that the developing countries were being affected the most and hence more needs to be done.
“It is why I launched the IAEA’s ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative, procuring radiotherapy machines, conducting life-saving research and providing training and education across the world,” he remarked. Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts in this regard, the IAEA chief said that the PAEC has established 21 cancer hospitals in the country and trained a fleet of professionals and congratulated the Pakistani authority for establishing the Institute of Nori.