Ensuring effective and sustainable radionuclide delivery and its impact on the development of nuclear medicine in the developing world with special reference to Nigeria
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Date
Authors
Orunmuyi, T. Akintunde
Sathekge, Mike Machaba
Buscombe, R. John
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medknow Publications
Abstract
Recent activities of Boko Haram, a local extremist group in Nigeria, raise concerns about a nuclear terrorist attack. Whereas nuclear medicine (NM)
relies on the timely delivery of radioactive sources, a robust security structure that assures public safety is the backbone for its beneficial use. NM
radionuclides have short half‑lives and carry an insignificant risk for acts of terrorism. Yet, their importation and delivery in Nigeria receive undue
scrutiny in a bid to implement a strict nuclear security regime. These actions prevent timely delivery of radionuclides with direct consequences
on quality and economic viability of nuclear medicine. There have been no accounts of terrorist acts accomplished with NM radionuclides.
Thus, it is important the NM community question the current approach that has contributed to the loss of NM services in Nigeria and proposes
a more logical strategy for securing their supply. We also highlight the need for developing local pragmatic solutions when implementing global
recommendations in developing countries.
Description
Keywords
Development, Nuclear medicine, Nuclear safety, Nigeria, Radionuclides
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Orunmuyi, T.A., Sathekge, M.M. & Buscombe, R.J. 2019, 'Ensuring effective and sustainable radionuclide delivery and its impact on the development of nuclear medicine in the developing world with special reference to Nigeria', World Journal of Nuclear Medicine, vol. 18, no. 2-7.