Expanding and improving access to cancer care in Tajikistan

The project was tailored to support Tajikistan’s strategy for non-communicable diseases, and it identified SDGs to which nuclear science can make an important and cost-effective contribution on national scale. Following several visits to the country to evaluate its situation, gaps and needs, the IAEA procured essential radiotherapy, dosimetry, quality assurance and quality control equipment intended for the new radiotherapy centre in Khujand. In turn, the Government built a facility to house the new radiotherapy equipment in Khujand based on advice from IAEA experts and in line with international safety and quality standards. The IAEA also supported the refurbishment of two radiotherapy machines and provided ancillary equipment to the radiotherapy centre in Dushanbe. The IAEA organized two training courses for medical professionals in Dushanbe and Khujand, facilitated thirteen fellowships, several of which were supported by Armenia’s National Centre of Oncology and ensured that the radiotherapy departments staff learned to use the new and refurbished machines in a safely and effective manner. In addition, four advisory missions of international experts were fielded to support the safe and effective commissioning of the new equipment. The implementation of the project was monitored through continued communication with the project counterpart, as well as through progress reports and visits by IAEA staff in the framework of the IAEA’s results-based monitoring approach which includes regular feedback from counterparts, experts, partners and project-related events. To date, the IAEA has provided €1.4 million to support these two centres and the Government of Tajikistan has provided €185,000 in contribution towards the cost for the refurbishment of equipment.