Bangladesh vows integrated, equitable, sustainable cancer care system.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to building an integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system through the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology to address the country's growing cancer burden.
He said the Bangladesh government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to addressing the country's growing cancer burden through the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology.
He added that Bangladesh wants to contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on ensuring good health and well-being for all.
He made the commitment while addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Scientific Forum 2026, titled "Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care", in Vienna, Austria, said a ministry press release today.
At the outset of his speech, the minister expressed sincere gratitude to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the leadership of the IAEA Secretariat for taking forward the "Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All" initiative.
Adequate equipment and infrastructure alone are not enough for sustainable cancer treatment, the minister said, adding that it requires an integrated and patient-centred system encompassing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, skilled human resources, quality assurance and palliative care.
Bangladesh joined the "Rays of Hope" initiative in 2025 and is working closely with the IAEA to translate the partnership into an effective national-level programme, he said, noting that one of its priorities is to establish an integrated one-stop cancer care centre for more coordinated, accessible and patient-centred services.
Appreciating the IAEA's technical cooperation, Faqir Mahbub Anam said its support in capacity building, knowledge sharing and strengthening the sustainable cancer care system is extremely important for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is looking forward with interest to the IAEA-WHO-IMPACT Review Mission scheduled for November 2026, he said, adding that the mission will offer an important opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of the country's national cancer control capacity and for setting realistic priorities across the entire cancer treatment system.
The minister further said Bangladesh, alongside strengthening research and development activities, is committed to expanding opportunities for international education, training, fellowships and joint research for students, scientists and researchers.
He noted that building skilled human resources and knowledge-based partnerships is essential to delivering the benefits of nuclear science and technology to society in the long run.
The government's goal is to build a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer care system in Bangladesh so that the benefits of nuclear science and technology reach those who need them most, he said.
Faqir Mahbub Anam expressed firm resolve to work closely with the IAEA and its partners to translate the promise of the "Rays of Hope" initiative into real and lasting benefits for the people of Bangladesh.
