Government says it is ready to use nuclear Science and Technology for peaceful means to address some of the country’s challenges such as the ongoing drought which has affected the nation.
Technology and Science Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu, says the integration of nuclear science and technology into national development strategies is vital in addressing some of the major challenges the world faces today.
Dr. Habeenzu says food insecurity and the spread of emerging diseases can be addressed by peaceful means of using nuclear science and technology.
Speaking when he addressed the 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria, Dr. Habeenzu said many of the challenges countries face are exacerbated by climate change which has led to extreme weather events like prolonged droughts and severe flooding.
Dr. Habeenzu said Zambia recognizes the many global challenges being tackled through nuclear science and technology.
He said Zambia is implementing its second Cancer Control Strategic Plan on radiotherapy which was developed in 2022 to increase access to cancer treatment.
Dr. Habeenzu disclosed that the country has embarked on upgrading the current Cancer Diseases Hospital.
He said the old equipment at the hospital has been decommissioned and currently, staff are reinstalling four advanced linear accelerators, two brachytherapy units and new diagnostic and simulation imaging technologies.
Dr. Habeenzu is accompanied to the IAEA General Assembly in Austria by Director Science and Technology in the Ministry of Technology and Science, Larry Mweetwa, Radiation Protection Authority Executive Director, Boster Siwila and National Institute of Science and Industrial Research Chief Executive Officer, Henry Kambafwile.
Angel Kasabo
