UNDP Uzbekistan

printer-friendly 06/04/2012

UNDP project on “Capacity Development on Radioactive waste management and early warning systems in Ferghana Valley” organized a training course for radiologists from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on “Contemporary approaches in radiation safety and security in the Ferghana Valley”. The training module included theoretical and practical sessions on radiation safety and security based on in-country experience, use of modern technical equipment and current trends, as well as cooperation between neighboring countries. The training was organized using modern video conferencing equipment by the specialists of the Tashkent institute of postgraduate medical education.

The feedback from the participants welcomed the training course and emphasized that its content was rich with interesting and thought-provoking examples on the role of specific agencies in the sphere of radiation safety and security. Djusmamatov Abdilla, Head of radiation laboratory of southern regions of Kyrgyz Republic commented: “Especially group presentations and hands-on exercises enabled us to strengthen our basic knowledge on techniques of emergency prevention at the national and international level. We also discussed the methods and means of cooperation and ways to conduct joint activities on early warning system in the case of emergency”.

Training sessions were conducted by Mr. Lutz Schneider, an international consultant on radiation safety and security who shared his thoughts - “Today radiation safety and security has vital importance in preventing emergency situations and informing population on security measures to be taken by them in specific circumstances. For example, previous research done by our company, Stoller Ingenieurtechnik GmbH, showed that the irradiation doses taken by the workers of nuclear plants, is much lower than the doses taken by population living at the houses built in irradiated zones. So it is important to conduct permanent monitoring of radiation level everywhere, not only near the former uranium mining sites”.

Training of specialists by means of distance learning contributes to human resource development and introduces a unique system of risk assessment, as well as efficient prevention from irradiation and raises awareness among radiologists and general public on the contemporary tools of measuring and monitoring the irradiation level.

The “Capacity Development on Radioactive waste management and early warning systems in Ferghana Valley” project launched in May 2011 strengthens capacities of radiologists and specialists working in radiation safety and security in the bordering regions of Ferghana Valley, as well as develops a regional early warning system which will enable countries to monitor the irradiation level and jointly conduct effective measures in emergency situations.