Addis Ababa, June 30, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today received the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi at his office.
The IAEA Director is in Addis Ababa for the Rays of Hope Forum which is set to be held at the African Union Headquarters from 30th June to 1st July 2025, it has been learned.
Following his meeting with Mr. Grossi, PM Abiy noted in a social media post that the IAEA’s support in Ethiopia spans a wide range of sectors, including cancer care, veterinary health, tsetse eradication, nuclear engineering, and regulatory frameworks.
“Our discussion focused on ongoing assistance and opportunities for future collaboration,” he added.
The IAEA Rays of Hope initiative supports Member States in establishing, or expanding, their medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy capabilities to improve access to services, particularly in countries that lack this life-saving treatment.
Since its launch in February 2022, over 90 countries have requested the Agency’s support to increase access to cancer care. The IAEA has mobilised funds from donor Member States, private sector companies as well as Member State development agencies in support of cancer care for low- and middle-income countries across the world.
This support includes comprehensive baseline assessments, such as imPACT reviews, the development of National Cancer Control Plans and bankable documents, the procurement of equipment and capacity building. In addition, a network of Rays of Hope Anchor Centres fosters training, innovation and quality assurance.
With a growing number of prioritised needs within Member States and many countries joining the initiative, more can be done in countries with insufficient or no radiotherapy available, saving lives and improving quality of life.
After three years of the initiative, it is crucial to take stock of what was achieved and witness concrete results on the ground.
The 2025 Rays of Hope Forum is taking place in Ethiopia – the birthplace of the initiative. Over three days, Member States will share progress made under Rays of Hope, and donors and partners will have the opportunity to exchange perspectives and experiences to foster greater collaboration to increase cancer care for all.