Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD3453
2008-10-29 13:30:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

IRAQ GROPING FOR LONG-TERM NATIONAL PLAN FOR

Tags:  TBIO KNNP PGOV OVIP SOCI IZ 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8096
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #3453 3031330
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 291330Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0147
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA PRIORITY 0077
RUEAUSA/DEPT OF HHS WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003453 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2028
TAGS: TBIO KNNP PGOV OVIP SOCI IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ GROPING FOR LONG-TERM NATIONAL PLAN FOR
CANCER THERAPY

REF: UNVIE VIENNA 556

Classified By: ECOUNS M. Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b, c).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003453

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/29/2028
TAGS: TBIO KNNP PGOV OVIP SOCI IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ GROPING FOR LONG-TERM NATIONAL PLAN FOR
CANCER THERAPY

REF: UNVIE VIENNA 556

Classified By: ECOUNS M. Dodman for reasons 1.4 (b, c).


1. (C) Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) officials
told EmbOffs on October 23 that while MoST and Ministry of
Health (MoH) officials have agreed to try and import new
Cobalt-60 (Co-60) sources to meet short-term demands for
cancer therapy (reftel),they have as yet not reached a
consensus on a long term plan. MoST favors switching to
linear accelerators in Iraq's three existing cancer treatment
centers but clearly notes the final decision for a long-term
treatment strategy belongs to the MoH. Dr. Mohammed
Al-Sharaa, Director of the Iraqi National Monitoring
Directorate, noted that the KRG Health Ministry recently
bought three new Co-60 machines. "I do not know how they
bought these machines," he added, but said the ministry would
likely send a team to assist the KRG in installing and
operating the systems. Dr. Al-Sharaa also commented that he
is trying to import new Co-60 sources from India or Canada
but has thus far not been successful.


2. (C) Comment: We encourage continued IAEA assistance to
help MoH and MoST clearly define Iraq's long term cancer
therapy strategy and formulate a corresponding project
package for donors. It is highly unlikely that any future
USAID health program in Iraq will include nuclear
applications for cancer therapy as a priority element. While
we remain open to training events and exchanges with the MoH
to improve their planning and budgeting ability as well as
cancer therapy techniques, we should not offer further
financial assistance to purchase medical equipment. Iraqi
claims notwithstanding (reftel),Iraqi medical personnel have
the expertise to install new Co-60 sources in their cancer
therapy machines. End comment.
CROCKER