Animal health and productivity is one special area with a focus on developing a regional capability for production and distribution of critical diagnostic kits. Playing key roles were the IAEA technical cooperation programme, with the technical backstopping and support from the International Laboratory of Molecular Biology (ILMB) at the University of California, Davis. Collaboration led to the transfer of technology to Africa for the production by means of advanced molecular biology techniques, of the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) for the detection of the presence of rinderpest virus antibodies in livestock. This sensitive kit allows one to distinguish vaccinated from infected animals. This is essential for epidemiological studies and to prevent the spread of rinderpest while allowing the sale and export of vaccinated animals to disease-free regions. The rinderpest iELISA was accepted as a sero-surveillance test by the Office International Epizooties (OIE) in January 2004.
The Agency is also involved in combating desertification. One project covers the West African Sahel (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Senegal). The principal objective is to help intensify sustainable food production in rain-fed areas while combating desertification.
Other activities are related to crop production. Several improved crop varieties have been developed and disseminated. IAEA assistance will continue to support efforts to develop high-yielding crops, drought-resistant crops and to rehabilitate saline lands. A substantial part of the programme pertains to the use of biotechnology combined with mutation breeding, notably for the improvement of neglected traditional crops, which usually provide a large part of protein for the rural population.
Healthy Outlook: Better Medical Care
In terms of project funding, over 27% of the TCF resources allocated for Africa for 2005-2006 are allocated to human health. The IAEA human health programme in the region focuses on the use of radiation and isotopes to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, and also assists counterparts with medical equipment maintenance and networking using the latest information and communication technologies.
The IAEA concentrates on management of cancers, nuclear medicine for in-vivo and in-vitro investigations and human nutrition. Over the past years, more than 30 nuclear medicine and five radiotherapy centres have been established in Africa and at least another 40 radiotherapy hospital facilities have been upgraded.
Recently, special efforts have been made against some major health threats. The IAEA, for example, is assisting several sub-Saharan countries to enhance the capabilities of national referral centres to diagnose drug resistance in malaria and tuberculosis.
Among the most significant issues is the HIV/AIDS pandemic. As with other African development partners and relevant multilateral organizations, the IAEA is strongly committed to contribute to the international effort to fight this ever-expanding scourge. A major regional project focuses on building the necessary technical capacities and human resources to enable Africa to undertake a programme of vaccine research and trials specific to African needs and requirements. It is expected that the involvement of the IAEA in the global effort towards tackling the HIV/AIDS scourge will bring institutional, operational and technical capabilities that can contribute to UNAIDS and its network.
HIV/AIDS and malnutrition often operate in tandem, both at the level of the individual and the society. Poor nutritional status increases the risk of infection and progression of the disease. Another IAEA regional project aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups, including the HIV/AIDS infected, through the use of stable isotopes in evaluation and monitoring of nutrition intervention programmes/projects. Furthermore, a new five-year programme under AFRA will concentrate mainly on the management of the most common cancers, particularly HIV-related cancers.
- Related Links
- The New Partnership for Africa's Development
- CONTENTS
- The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2005
- What next for the NPT?
- The World's Non-Proliferation Regime in Time
- Nuclear Law & Disorder
- Farewell to Arms
- Reframing the Debate Against Nuclear Weapons
- The IAEA & the NPT
- Upgrading Nuclear Safeguards in Kazakhstan
- IAEA Technical Cooperation & the NPT
- Nuclear Export Controls
- The Right Moves for Nuclear & Global Security
- A Race We Can Win
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle
- GTRI Moves Ahead
- Obstacles & Opportunities
- Nuclear Technology & the Developing World
- Fast Forward for the United Nations
- End the Nuclear Threat
- How We Think About Peace & Security
- Rethinking a Dangerous Game of Chance
- Shared Pledge, Shared Vision
- Text & Members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
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