Impact of regional nuclear energy projects

Havana, September 4.- Directors of the Agency for Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies (Aenta) met in this capital with experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency to evaluate the impact of the Regional Cooperation Agreement projects for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (Arcal).

Gladys López Bejerano, Master of Science and president of the Cuban institution, led the meeting in which they examined with her colleagues the application of the projects on Support for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors in pediatric patients, the Cuban News Agency was officially informed.

Also supporting the development of regionally produced radiopharmaceuticals for targeted cancer therapy through the exchange of capabilities and knowledge, and the improvement of facilities, networking and training, as well as Strengthening regional monitoring and response for sustainable marine and coastal environments.

According to its program, visits are planned to facilities of the Ministry of Public Health, including the State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices, the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology; and the Agency for Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies, such as the Isotope centers and the Environmental Studies center in Cienfuegos.

The group of IAEA experts is made up of Gabriela Borsatto, national coordinator of ARCAL and member of the National Nuclear Energy Commission of Brazil, and Guilherme Henrique Pereira de Almeida, of the IAEA, whose visit to Cuba is for several days.

In the case of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, its professionals presented their objectives in the sense of improving the clinical applications of nuclear medicine techniques in pediatric oncology through the training of human resources and the updating and harmonization of diagnostic procedures and therapeutics in the region.

Also the dissemination of nuclear medicine techniques in decision making as a cost-effective minimally invasive strategy and in the care of pediatric patients with malignant neoplasms.

Likewise, harmonized training for professionals involved in the region in the practice of nuclear medicine for the effective and appropriate use of conventional and hybrid diagnostic radioisotope techniques and the application of based therapeutic methods, all with satisfactory results.

Aenta, attached to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, promotes the development, promotion and peaceful use of nuclear applications in medicine, production of radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and other diseases among the leading causes of death in Cuba.

For these functions, it is a focal point for collaboration with the IAEA and at the same time manages projects and provides scientific-technological services and products of high added value related to nuclear technologies, renewable energy sources and other advanced technologies, which contribute to the sustainable development of the country. (ACN) (Photo: Archive)