Nuclear Science: Gov't reinforces ties with International Atomic Energy Agency.

By Mercy Fosoh

The government has through the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, MINRESI, strengthened cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA. 

This was during a recent meeting between the scientific research minister, Madeleine Tchuente, and the Project Management Officer at IAEA, Anyanwu Chukwudi Macline.  The official recently paid a working visit to Cameroon.

During the event, talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Cameroon and the IAEA, with particular emphasis on how nuclear science and technology can contribute to national socio-economic development. The meeting, reports hold, also provided an opportunity to assess ongoing projects and identify solutions to challenges.

Also present at the meeting was Director General, DG, of the Radiological and Nuclear Safety Authority, ASRAN, Dr Augustin Simo. Dr Simo told the press after the meeting that the technical cooperation between Cameroon and the IAEA remains strong. 

The DG explained that it was the first official visit of the IAEA official to Cameroon.  Dr Simo said the visit was intended to review joint projects, meet with implementation teams, and discuss national priorities.

According to Dr Simo, cooperation between Cameroon and the IAEA extends across several sectors. He mentioned human and animal health, agriculture, livestock, water, energy, radiological safety, and nuclear security. 

In healthcare, the IAEA, he said, supported improvements in radiotherapy services at Douala General Hospital and facilitated training for radiotherapists. In agriculture, progress, the DG noted, has been reported on the food safety project, which is being implemented in collaboration with several national institutions.

Dr Simo highlighted that the food safety initiative is advancing with the involvement of key national structures, such as the National Veterinary Laboratory, the Agricultural Research Institute for Development, the Institute of Medical Research and Studies of Medicinal Plants, and the University of Douala. 

The project, he stressed, aims to enhance the safety and quality of food products in Cameroon, contributing to public health and trade standards.

During the visit, the IAEA representative also sought to evaluate the progress of existing projects, meet with field teams, and gather feedback on challenges they face. The objective, it was said, was to find practical solutions to ensure the effective implementation of joint initiatives.

According to ASRAN boss, the visit marks a crucial step in consolidating the partnership between Cameroon and the IAEA. By focusing on practical applications of nuclear science, the cooperation, the DG said, is expected to support key areas of socio-economic development while ensuring high standards of safety and security.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3548 of Friday August 28, 2025