ADDRESS
ATOMIC ENERGY REGULATORY AUTHORITY (AERA)
2nd Floor, Chief M’mbelwa House,
Robert Mugabe Crescent, City Center
Private Bag 368
Lilongwe 3, Malawi
CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: +265 1 774 691
Tel: +265 1 774 694
Email: Info@aera.org.mw
Website: www.aera.org.mw
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The Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (AERA) successfully conducted a National Training Course on Basic Concepts of Medical Exposure and Regulatory Oversight of Radiotherapy Facilities Using LINACs from May 27th to June 7th, 2024. The training took place in Lilongwe at AERA's office.
The training was officially opened by Ms. Victoria Kachimera, Acting Director, and facilitated by two international experts (Medical Physicists) from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ms. Mulape Mutule Kanduza from Zambia, and Mr. Vera Uushona from Namibia.
The training brought together personnel from different stakeholders; AERA, the National Cancer Center, and the Medical Council of Malawi. This intensive program aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe and effective use of Linear Accelerators (LINACs) in radiotherapy. The training took a multi-pronged approach, combining theoretical lectures with practical learning opportunities. It covered various topics such as the fundamentals of radiotherapy including its role in cancer treatment and various techniques employed by LINACs, safe operation of LINACs, radiation protection protocols, and regulations governing these facilities.
The training also focused on national and international regulations governing radiotherapy facilities, providing valuable insights to AERA staff on implementing effective regulatory frameworks for safety. Participants learned best practices for inspection, enforcement, authorization, and radiation monitoring.
A crucial aspect of the program addressed the design and construction requirements for bunkers housing LINACs. This module emphasized the importance of minimizing radiation exposure for personnel and the surrounding environment.
The training covered key aspects directly relevant to AERA's work, including inspection, enforcement, authorization, and radiation monitoring. Participants learned best practices for inspecting radiotherapy facilities, such as understanding the design and layout, equipment functioning, and radiation safety protocols, and gained knowledge of enforcement tools like issuing warnings, imposing fines, or suspending licenses in severe cases. Additionally, the training covered radiation monitoring procedures, including types of monitors, proper placement, data collection, and analysis of radiation levels, to ensure facilities have proper monitoring protocols in place and to evaluate radiation safety measures.
To solidify the theoretical knowledge and practical seasons, the training program included valuable site visits. Participants gained firsthand experience by touring the National Cancer Center in Lilongwe and observing the layout of the first government radiotherapy facility in Lilongwe, Malawi. They further expanded their knowledge through an inspection of the International Blantyre Cancer Center, where they witnessed best practices in radiation safety protocols and regulatory compliance in a real-world healthcare setting.
The collaborative nature of the program ensured all participants gained valuable knowledge and skills.
There was a gain of a deeper understanding of medical radiation safety principles. This improved knowledge and expertise will lead to better decision-making and practices across the board. Perhaps the most significant outcome is the potential for enhanced collaboration. By working together, these organizations can achieve a lot. AERA, informed by the expertise of the healthcare providers, can establish stronger regulations for radiotherapy facilities. The Medical Council and the National Cancer Center can work together to promote a culture of safety within these facilities.
This comprehensive training program by AERA signifies a significant step towards strengthening radiation safety in Malawi's health sector. By equipping personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills, AERA fosters a safer environment for patients undergoing radiotherapy, healthcare workers, and the general public.
National Training Course on Basic Concepts of Medical Exposure and Regulatory Oversight of Radiotherapy Facilities Using LINACs
Pic 1: Training at the National Cancer Centre Malawi
AERA hosts First Responder National Training Course on Radiological Emergencies
The Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (AERA), in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), organized the First Responder National Training Course on Radiological Emergencies from December 4th to 8th, 2023, at Malville Boutique Hotel in Lilongwe.
Facilitated by Mr. Mohammad Hamadalneel and Mrs. Melody Mwewa from IAEA, the training aimed to impart concepts and goals of emergency preparedness, specifically focusing on the initial response to radiological or nuclear emergencies.
The participants included senior officers from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies involved in national radiological emergencies, such as the Office of the President and Cabinet, Malawi Police Service, Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Fire Services Brigade, Department of Civil Aviation, and Ministry of Information.
The objectives of the training were to improve knowledge and strengthen practical skills to enable officials from relevant institutions to serve as first responders to a radiological emergency and to provide an understanding on the main steps in developing national emergency preparedness and response (EPR) capabilities.
Pic1: IAEA facilitators & Malawi team on First Responder Training
