THE INTERMINISTERIAL CONFERENCE IN VIENNA AUSTRIA: What is the Take Home for Africa?

PART ONE

By Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

The Interministerial Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology and its applications that took place in Vienna, Austria, brought together scientists, practitioners, donors, diplomats, and policy makers. 

The organisation of the conference by the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] was superb, with the plenary session basically hosting the world united in fighting common challenges. 

The mix and mingle were excellent. You would not tell who is who, including ambassadors and ministers.  

Opportunities were open to interact with the high and mighty, without limitations of class or security.

What was more significant are the sessions and presentations. Session by session and presentation by presentation, you would see the global challenges and the efficacy of the solutions using nuclear science techniques. 

Scientists from country to country showcased how they were dealing with challenges of health, water, crop production, insect & pests, and plastics. The presentations were backed by real NST demonstrations.

As a keen scientist and observer from Africa, especially Kenya, I would see how these challenges are affecting our people back home. 

I would actually see the suffering of women and children trekking for kilometres looking for water;

I would see families sleeping hungry;

I would see farm harvests get destroyed in the farms;

I would see ocean harvests going bad at our beaches;

I would see persistent power blackouts; and

I would see crops being destroyed by insects and pests.

From the plethora of development crises in Africa, I knew I had to pick the lessons and best practices that could benefit the African continent.

I also knew that I have a heavy task as a sociologist to socialise Africa of the science and technology in nuclear, especially the benefit of how it can bring respite for Africa. 

I know you are asking, so how can Africa benefit from the lessons and best practices of other nations using nuclear science and technology to deal with these similar challenges? I share two examples in this part 1. Look out for part 2.

In the field of health care, especially cancer care, I learnt and saw how nuclear science and technologies are being used to diagnose and treat cancer with precision. In this area, the IAEA has a whole program called the RAYS OF HOPE.

Many countries have benefitted, including some selected African countries with equipment, training, and deployment of the technology from the IAEA.

In water resources, they have RADIO ISOTOPES TECHNIQUES. In addition, there is a new nuclear technique called IRRADIATION, which can clean waste water into clean, usable water resources.

The United States of America and Japan showcased what they called TRANSPORTABLE E-BEAM. It’s amazing technology.

Prof. Dr. Halimu Shauri

Dean & Consultant Sociologist 

PWANI UNIVERSITY, KENYA