NECSA to Expand Nuclear Medicine Activities Through Global Partnership

July 28, 2018 • Health Care, Southern Africa, Top Stories

) and Rosatom Healthcare, the health care division of the Russian state-owned Rosatom, on Thursday signed a cooperation agreement in the field of non-nuclear uses of nuclear technology on the sidelines of the BRICS summit

. a world leader in nuclear production or medicine and exports these vital radiopharmaceuticals to more than 60 countries on a daily basis, with an annual business turnover of more than 76 million US dollars.

The agreement is based on friendly relations between the two countries aimed at exploring the full potential of deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of innovation and technological development related to peace [19659005] "It is an exciting time for us, we have long been planning a mbadive expansion of our nuclear medicine operations and we look forward to exploring these opportunities with our Russian counterparts," said the president of the NECSA, Dr. Kelvin. Kemm.

It further describes a number of areas in which the parties intend to cooperate but does not create any rights or obligations under international or national law. The main area of ​​cooperation identified in the document is that of nuclear medicine and in particular cancer treatment in Africa and abroad.

Keeping in mind recent advances in the sector, Rosatom Healthcare and NECSA are considering building two innovative solution reactors in the South African territory. Solution Reactors are small-scale, relatively inexpensive reactors that are designed specifically for the cost-effective production of nuclear medicine products. The parties also plan to build a commercial cyclotron in South Africa to further increase the nuclear medicine production capacity in the region. A cyclotron is another cost-effective method of producing various radiopharmaceuticals.

"Both parties have great expertise in this sector and we believe that a combined effort will open new markets and accelerate new technological advances in the sector. Nuclear medicine is expanding rapidly worldwide and plays a vital role in the early detection of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases, "said Rosatom Healthcare Executive Director Denis Cherednichenko

. The expansion of nuclear medicine and early detection of cancer directly correspond to the goal set by President Ramaphosa at SONA earlier this year, to combat the dreaded disease

"Nuclear Medicine is the most effective method for detecting cancer.The earlier the cancer is detected, the more likely it is that it responds positively to treatment, usually resulting in a greater likelihood of recovery, "said Dr. Tshelane. Kemm noted that the parties also intend to deploy cancer treatment centers across the African continent, South Africa and the Russian Federation. "Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the population Africa has access to this vital technology. change. This will be done with the collaboration of the local government, companies and medical entities in each country, "said Dr. Kemm.

Tshelane went on to state that "nuclear medicine saves not only lives but also generates a significant income for South Africa. . NECSA looks forward to increasing production and maximizing profits for the country.

Rosatom has over 70 years of experience in the nuclear industry and is a world leader in the design and construction of various nuclear facilities. "With our very experienced counterparts in South Africa, we believe that we can really make a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world," concluded Cherednichenko

.

Edited by Daniëlle Kruger

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