Government embraces nuclear science to combat national challenges

The Government has announced its readiness to harness nuclear science and technology to address some of the country's most pressing issues, including the ongoing drought.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Technology and Science Dr Brilliant Habeenzu emphasised the critical importance of integrating nuclear science and technology into national development strategies to tackle major global challenges.

Speaking at the 68th General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, Dr Habeenzu highlighted how nuclear technology could be utilised to combat food insecurity and emerging diseases. He noted that many of these challenges are exacerbated by climate change, which has led to extreme weather events such as prolonged droughts and severe flooding.

Dr Habeenzu commended the agency “for its ongoing efforts to promote the peaceful applications of nuclear technology worldwide.” He added, “In this regard, the Zambian government reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with the agency.”

He went on to outline Zambia's progress in implementing its second Cancer Control Strategic Plan on radiotherapy, developed in 2022 to improve access to cancer treatment.

According to the permanent secretary, the Government “will receive a linear accelerator for one of the new radiotherapy centers. With all these developments, Zambia shall continue to provide regional training in the fields of radiotherapy technology, radiology and radiation oncology.”

The government's embrace of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes marks a significant step in Zambia's efforts to leverage cutting-edge science to address key issues the country is facing.