Radiation protection secretariat holds seminar for AFRA project coordinators and counterparts
The Radiation Protection Board Secretariat has completed a two one day seminar at Njala University, Mokonde and the Sierra Leone Agriculture Research Institute, Rokupur on the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) for Project Coordinators and counterparts. (Photo: Josephus Kongo, Executive Secretary of the Radiation Protection Board who also doubles as National Liaison for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Sierra Leone)
AFRA is an arrangement geared to facilitate regional cooperation between its Member States with the aim to address development problems through the effective application of appropriate nuclear science and technology and to facilitate the sharing of resources and facilities available in the region.
The AFRA Mandate is guided by the interests and needs of the AFRA Member States as described in the AFRA Agreement
Delivering a paper on AFRA, the C said that the mission is derived from the AFRA Agreement, which stipulates that “whereas the Governments parties to this agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “governments parties”) recognize that, within their national atomic energy programmes, there exist areas of common interest wherein mutual cooperation can promote the more efficient utilization of available resources.He further noted that the network system of Project Coordinators that has been set up as a part of the AFRA Programme has been very beneficial in achieving efficient, effective and appropriate use of resources for Member States’ needs. “All AFRA Project Coordinators play an essential and critical role in the success of their projects” he maintained. He revealed that, an orientation and sensitization course has been outlined for presentation to all Project and National Coordinators as a component of the TWG and Project Coordination Meetings.
At Njala University a meeting was held with the Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor where they were briefed on the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency which include Nuclear Medicine, Human Health, Agriculture and capacitating the regulatory infrastructure.
He further maintained that each country participating in a project must ensure that the Project Coordinator has the technical competence in the subject of the project and the managerial skill required to implement it. It is recommended that, whenever possible, the same person remains as the Project Coordinator throughout the duration of the project, in order to ensure adequate continuity.
Visit of Executive Secretary Radiation Protection Board to IAEA and AFRA – American Regional Cooperation Agreement for Research, Development and Training in Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) project implementing institution Rokupr and Njala University 18-20th July, 2011
Mr. Josephus J. Kongo, Executive Secretary of the Radiation Protection Board who also doubles as National Liaison for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Sierra Leone has recently returned from the Annual national Coordinators Meeting in Algiers, Algeria 26 TH – 30 TH June 2011.
The National Liaison, went on a tour of IAEA Technical Cooperation and AFRA Project being implemented in Sierra Leone. Mr. Kongo held a one day seminar with IAEA, TC and AFRA Project Coordinators at these institutions.
He explained the various peaceful uses of Radiation sources for Socio- Economic development. These included uses in medical fields (x-rays, nuclear medicine, Radiation therapy etc), Agriculture (increasing crop yield, biotechnology etc). Water Resource Development and Management (Isotope Techniques), control of insect pests ( sterile insect technique – SIT), Mining, science Teaching and Research etc.
He however cautioned that if the sources are not properly used, people could be underly exposed to radiation which may cause cancers.
He said the IAEA was implementing 27 (twenty seven) projects under the AFRA agreement with member states and appealed to scientist at both institutions to serve as coordinators for the various projects. He outlined the many benefits which the project coordinators, their institutions and government will achieve from project coordination. He said modern scientific equipment and specialized training in Nuclear Science will be provided by the Agency.
The National Liaison outlined the responsibilities of Project Coordinators and informed them that Annual Project Reports should be submitted to him for onward transmission to the IAEA. He warned that Project Coordinators who fail to submit Annual Reports will have project implementation suspended for a period of one year. He highlighted the consequence that such an action would have on government and the country. On that not he appealed to all project coordinators and potentials ones to show commitment to their task of project implementation.
Similar visits of the National Liaison are scheduled for the school of medicine and Allied Health Science , Fourah Bay College, Ministry of Health and Sanitation and a number of stake holder institutions.
Christopher Wallace-Johnson, Public Relations Officer, Radiation Protection Board Secretariat
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