Cancer incidence is rising dramatically in Africa. To support the IAEA´s work in fighting cancer in Africa, the Principality of Monaco made a generous donation, which focuses on reducing cancer rates in Niger.
Under the terms of the agreement, Monaco will provide €175 000 to assist Niger in establishing a national cancer control programme. Over the next two years, the donation will support expert missions and human resource training, notably in cancer information, prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and palliative care services. The projects will center upon the establishment of the National Radiotherapy Centre in Niger´s capital, Niamey.
This contribution to the Niger programme complements previous donations made by Monaco to enhance cancer control services in developing Francophone IAEA member states. Collaboration between Monaco and the IAEA´s Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) began two years ago, and the government has since committed €50 000 each year to training and education efforts across French-speaking African countries.
On 13 July 2010, the agreement between Monaco and the IAEA was signed after a meeting between HSH Prince Albert and IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano at the Prince´s Palace in Monaco.