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Life expectancy is increasing in most developing countries due to improved health and social conditions, such as safe water supplies and basic medical treatments. But the transformation of lifestyles to one more characterized by less physical activity and a diet rich in fat is leading to a marked increases in vascular diseases and cancer. Indeed, according to WHO-IARC projections the number of cancer patients in developing countries will double to million annually by the year 2015. Rapid increases in both vascular diseases and cancer represents a growing management crisis in the provision of appropriate healthcare. Most developing countries simply do not presently have the capacity to cope adequately.
Medicine uses a variety of imaging tools such as plain film x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI and nuclear medicine imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of many kinds of diseases. The Agency has considerable expertise and on-going activities in the fields of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine including the establishment and harmonization of standards, technology transfer, dosimetry, quality assurance and research and development. Consequently, a comprehensive programme by the Agency to assist Member States in the acquisition and/or improvement of all forms of medical imaging technology for improved clinical quality assurance in radiotherapy is a logical and appropriate extension of existing programs.
