BD vows integrated cancer-care system through Rays of Hope
Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the country’s growing cancer burden through the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology and building a more integrated, equitable and sustainable cancer-care system.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam made the remarks while addressing the IAEA Scientific Forum 2026 on “Rays of Hope: Delivering on the Promise of Cancer Care” in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, according to a press release.
The minister expressed appreciation to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and the IAEA Secretariat for their leadership in advancing the “Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All” initiative.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is committed to addressing the country’s growing cancer burden through the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, Anam said. He added that such efforts would also contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being.
The minister stressed that sustainable cancer care requires more than equipment and infrastructure, saying it needs an integrated and patient-centred approach covering prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, trained human resources, quality assurance and palliative care.
Bangladesh joined the Rays of Hope initiative in 2025 and is working closely with the IAEA to turn the partnership into concrete national action, he said. Developing a comprehensive one-stop cancer care centre is a key priority to provide more integrated, accessible and patient-centred services.
Anam also highlighted the importance of the forthcoming IAEA-WHO-IMPACT Review Mission in November 2026, saying it would provide an opportunity for an evidence-based assessment of Bangladesh’s national cancer-control capacities and help identify practical priorities across the continuum of care.
He said Bangladesh was also committed to strengthening research and development and expanding opportunities for students, scientists and researchers through international education, training, fellowships and collaborative research.
The minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to working closely with the IAEA and its partners to turn the Rays of Hope initiative into tangible and lasting outcomes for the people of Bangladesh.
