Speaker
Description
Over the past three decades, several key factors have driven the growth of nuclear medicine in Africa:
• Capacity building: The development of national policies and strategies by Member States in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• Expansion of clinical services: Growth in key areas such as oncology, nuclear cardiology, pediatrics, radionuclide therapy, and PET imaging, contributing to improved cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Evidence of impact: Demonstrated improvements in the cost-effectiveness of healthcare systems, along with increased awareness among policymakers regarding major health burdens, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and pediatric conditions.
Despite these advances, nuclear medicine services in Africa face several important challenges:
• Limited government funding for public health, resulting in significant financial constraints.
• Need for alternative funding mechanisms, including public–private partnerships, support from foundations, and international donors.
• Difficulties in ensuring project continuity, as policy directions may change with successive administrations.
• These constraints collectively impact the sustainability and long-term development of nuclear medicine services.
• In addition, several technical and logistical challenges persist, ranging from the irregular supply of radiopharmaceuticals to issues related to the maintenance and quality control of equipment.
| Track | Deployment of Nuclear Medicine in LMICs: Pitfalls to Overcome |
|---|---|
| Presentation type | Oral |