Pakistan reiterated its commitment to combating cancer and strengthening international healthcare cooperation at a side event of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, titled “Beyond Boundaries: The Rays of Hope Anchor Centres Network and the Future of Cancer Care.”

Delivering Pakistan’s statement, Chairman of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar, noted that more than 180,000 new cancer cases are reported annually in the country. To address this burden, PAEC has established 20 cancer hospitals nationwide, serving over 80 percent of patients and providing diagnostic and treatment services either free of charge or at subsidized rates — directly supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 on Good Health and Well-Being.

He highlighted Pakistan’s active role in the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, sharing expertise, training, and best practices with developing countries under South-South Cooperation and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.