Sudan urges IAEA to help restore war-damaged cancer centres
June 10, 2026 (VIENNA) – A Sudanese official on Tuesday called on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support Sudan’s efforts to restore oncology diagnostic and treatment services at government centres affected by the war, and to help establish three new centres.
Sudan’s healthcare system, which was already suffering from underfunding and equipment shortages, has faced widespread destruction during the conflict that erupted in April 2023. Hospitals and health centres have been looted, and medical staff have been displaced.
Magdi Ahmed Mofadal, Sudan’s permanent representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Vienna, made the remarks while participating in the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, which runs from June 8 to 12, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that Mofadal urged the agency and member states to support Sudan’s efforts to restore oncology diagnostic and treatment services at war-affected state centres, including the National Cancer Institute in Wad Madani, Khartoum’s Radiation and Isotopes Centre, and Shendi University.
The statement added that the ambassador requested assistance from the IAEA and member states to help establish three new centres in peripheral areas.
Mofadal reported progress on the project to restore radiotherapy services at the National Cancer Institute in Wad Madani, noting that the first phase has been completed. Efforts are ongoing to procure diagnostic and radiotherapy equipment, including a linear accelerator for the centre.
The institute, whose equipment was looted when the Rapid Support Forces seized Gezira state, is one of the most vital treatment facilities for cancer patients in Sudan. It previously served hundreds of patients daily from neighbouring states, including Khartoum, and was known for providing advanced free services.
Mofadal also urged IAEA member states, alongside regional and international funding institutions, to support the “Atoms for Food” initiative, launched by the agency in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization.
He stated that Sudan looks forward to receiving a technical delegation from the IAEA to assess the status of the Atomic Energy Commission and relevant national institutions, determine their urgent needs, and develop a plan for rehabilitation and capacity building in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, water resources, and food safety.
The Atoms for Food initiative aims to provide countries with tailored, groundbreaking solutions by harnessing nuclear technologies to boost food production, enhance natural resource management, reduce food waste, improve nutrition, and adapt to climate change challenges.