Division of Human Health
The objective of the IAEA programme in Human Health is to enhance the capabilities in Member States to address needs related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health problems through the application of nuclear techniques. The mandate arises from Article II of the IAEA's Statute: the Agency shall accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to health.
Nuclear and radiation techniques are often the sole means of diagnosis and treatment in a large number of health problems, or complement non-nuclear techniques. Nuclear medicine procedures with unsealed radioactive sources are used in-vitro and in-vivo for the diagnosis and management of diseases. Molecular biology based on nuclear techniques plays an effective role in the fight against communicable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS. Radiotherapy, one of the earliest applications of radiation, remains a major cost-effective modality available for cancer treatment, often in conjunction with diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine procedures for tumour localization. Fostering and maintaining a quality assurance culture, leading to accurate dosimetry, dose delivery and patient protection, are of paramount importance in the success of the application of these techniques. In addition to these areas of Radiation Medicine, public health measures are also supported by activities in nutritional and health environment areas.
Cancer takes more lives than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria together. By 2020 it is anticipated that there will be 15 million new cases of cancer every year, 9 million in less developed countries. The Agency supports the building-up of indigenous capabilities in radiation therapy to cure or alleviate the life-threatening effects of cancers in developing Member States. However, the resources available to the IAEA fall far short of those necessary to meet human needs around the world. In order to help meet these needs, a Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) has been initiated that will introduce, expand, or improve radiotherapy programs in developing countries. This effort will be in synergy with other organizations, institutes and partners, and will seek extra-budgetary contributions of non-traditional donors to acquire the necessary resources to facilitate the implementation of the programme.
The Division executes its programme activities through four sections:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy
- Dosimetry and Medical Radiation Physics
- Nutritional and Health-Related Environmental Studies