The Current Status of Nuclear Medicine in Africa

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the current status of nuclear medicine (NM) services across Africa, including identifying infrastructure gaps, radiopharmaceutical availability, systemic challenges, uneven growth trends, and efforts to improve access. <b>Methods:</b> Data on NM infrastructure, radiopharmaceutical availability, and challenges faced by NM professionals in the region were collected at regional International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) training courses, from IAEA databases, and by direct correspondence with NM professionals in the region between September 2024 and September 2025. <b>Results:</b> NM services are available in 29 countries. Seven countries have more than 1 SPECT or SPECT/CT camera per million inhabitants, and 12 countries offer PET/CT services, with no country in the region having more than 1 PET/CT camera per million inhabitants. There are 29 cyclotrons in 11 countries. There has been a 5.58% compound annual growth rate of SPECT or SPECT/CT and 32.8% growth (above global averages) in PET/CT cameras since 2022. ^99mTc is available in all countries with NM services, and all, except Burkina Faso, have access to ¹³¹I. Prostate-specific membrane antigen imaging is available in 9 countries, and somatostatin receptor type 2 imaging is available in 8 countries. Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy services are limited to ¹³¹I for benign or malignant thyroid disease in most countries. ¹⁷⁷Lu-therapies are restricted to 7 countries, and the availability of [¹³¹I]MIBG remains limited. Clinical trials with ²²⁵Ac and ¹⁶¹Tb are under way. Member states face similar challenges, including high costs of medical equipment and consumables, limited health care infrastructure, low government health care expenditures, weak economies, staff shortages, and limited educational opportunities. <b>Conclusion:</b> Despite challenges, there is clear momentum and NM growth in Africa. Although infrastructure, radiopharmaceutical access, and workforce gaps remain, data show progress. Sustained investment in facilities, training, and regulatory frameworks is essential to achieve equitable access to care. IAEA’s regional anchor centers as part of the Rays of Hope initiative exemplifies strategic capacity building, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the region.