A team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to visit Fiji in September to assist in the safe removal of antiquated sources of Radium-226 (Ra226) that were previously used in medical treatments and research.
As defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal resultant from the decay of uranium and thorium found in the environment. Historically, Radium needles were used in the treatment of cancer by implanting them directly into tumors to halt their growth.
The IAEA stated that this visit is part of its Global Radium Management Initiative, which aims to help member states manage legacy Ra226 sources safely. “The agency supports the recovery, conditioning, and storage of these sources and works to enhance national capacities for their long-term management, including potential reuse and recycling,” a spokesperson indicated.
The IAEA previously conducted a mission in 2014 to manage disused Ra226 sources at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, where these sources had been used for cancer treatment through brachytherapy. Since then, the disused Ra226 sources have been housed at the old Mechanical Depot of the Ministry of Health while plans for their final disposal were determined.
The spokesperson further noted that the old sources are set to be sent to the United States for recycling, which has been confirmed by Fiji’s Ministry of Health.
In 2012, Fiji joined the IAEA as a member state, engaging in a partnership to utilize atomic energy for peaceful purposes, health advancements, and global progress. Through this collaboration, Fiji has reaped benefits from various projects in agriculture, health, and biosecurity, receiving policy, technical, and operational support over the years.
The Health Ministry confirmed that the Colonial War Memorial Hospital possessed Ra-226 needles used specifically for treating gynecological cancers, particularly cervical cancer, until this practice was discontinued in 1998.
Moreover, during the IAEA’s earlier visit in 2014, the Ra226 sources were secured and have since been safely stored while awaiting their eventual destination for reuse or recycling.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, IAEA experts are preparing for their visit to Fiji in September 2024 to facilitate the removal of the old Ra226 sources. The Health Ministry expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the IAEA and looks forward to future assistance as part of their enduring partnership.