REPUBLIC OF
SUDAN
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC
ENERGY AGENCY
COUNTRY
PROGRAMME FRAMEWORK
2014 – 2018
On behalf of the Government:
On behalf of the International Atomic
Energy Agency:
____________________________________
____________________________________
Deputy Director General
Head, Department of Technical Cooperation
_______________________
_______________________
Date
Date
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………5
I. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………9
Sudan Map …………………………………………………………………. ………….. 10
II. NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND ACTIVITIES RELEVANT TO THE
AGENCY’S TECHNICAL COOPERATION PROGRAMME
II.1 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………
11
II.2Sectoral Policies………..……..………………………………………………...
12
II.2.1 Agriculture ………………………………………………………………………
12
II.2.1.2 Livestock Production …………………………………………….………
13
II.2.2 Human Health
……………………………………………… ………….........
14
II.2.2.1 Cancer Management ………………………………………………… .....
14
II.2.2.2 Malaria ………………………………………………………………. 15
II.2.2.3 Tuberculosis
……..…………………………………………………..
15
II.2.2.4 Other Communicable Diseases
……………………………………. 16
II.2.2.5 Malnutrition
……………………………………………………………
16
II.2.3 Energy
…………………………………………………………………………
16
II.2.4 Water Resources
…………………………………………………………………17
II.2.5 Industry
………………………………………………………………………...
18
II.2.5.1 Non-Destructive Testing
…………………………………………… 18
III. RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ………
IV. OVERVIEW OF AGENCY PAST AND PRESENT TECHNICAL
ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNTRY
19
COOPERATION
IV.1 Food and Agriculture
…………………………………………………………..
IV.1.1 Improving Crop Productivity
……………………………………………...
1V.I.2 Animal Health and Production
…………………………………………….
IV.2 Human Health
………………………………………………………………….
IV.2.1 Radiotherapy
………………………………………………………………
IV.2.3 Malaria
……………………………………………………………………..
IV.2.4 Malnutrition ………………………………………………………………...
IV.3 Energy Planning
………………………………………………………………
IV.4 Water Resources
……………………………………………………………….
IV.5 Industrial Applications
…………………………………………………….....
IV.5.1 Radiation Processing
…………………………………………………….
IV.5.2 NDT and Radiotracer Applications
………………………………………
IV.6 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security ……………………………………..25
V.
20
20
20
21
21
21
22
22
23
24
24
24
PROJECTED COUNTRY PROGRAMME OUTLINE
V.1 The Near-Term Programme
…………………………………………………….27
V.1.1 Human Resource Development Strategy
………………………………………
V.1.2 Agriculture
………………………………………………………………………
V.1.2.1 Improving Crop Production
……………………………………………..
28
V.1.2.2 Self-satisfaction and Increase of Livestock Trade Export
……………….
29
V.1.3 Human Health
……………………………………………………………………
27
28
30
2
V.1.3.1 Cancer management
…………………………………………………………
30
V.1.3.2 Using the SIT Technique for Controlling the Malaria Vector
…………….
31
V.1.3.3 Isotopes and nuclear techniques in Nutrition
……………………………....
31
V.I.4 Energy
…………………………………………………………………………….
V.1.5 Water Resources …………………………………………………………………..
V.1.6 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Infrastructure
…………………………
V.2 The Medium-Term Programme
…………………………………………………33
V.2.1 Agriculture
………………………………………………………………………
V.2.1.2 Animal Health and Production
…………………………………………….
34
V.2.2 Human Health
……………………………………………………………………
V.2.2.1 Introduction of Cancer Teaching Programmes
…………………………..
34
V.2.2.2 Combating Malaria
………………………………………………………
34
V.2.2.3 Nutrition Programmes
…………………………………………………...
35
V.2.3 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security
……………………………………..
35
V.2.3 Energy
…………………………………………………………………………. 36
V.2.4 Development of National Capabilities for Training and Certification for
Non-destructive Testing Personnel ……………………………………………..36
V.2.5Research Reactor
……………………………………………………………… 36
V.2.6 Water Resources
………………………………………………………………
36
V.3General Support Activities
31
31
32
………………………………………………………….
33
34
38
V.3.1 Nuclear Information and Nuclear Knowledge Management
………………. 38
V.3.2 Instrumentation, Repair and Maintenance of Equipment
…………………… 38
V.3.3 Environmental Monitoring ………………………………………………..…… 39
ANNEX 1 - List of Resource Institutions …………………………………..…………
ANNEX 2 - Resource Estimates and Forecasts ……………………………………..
ANNEX 3 – Multilateral Agreements – Sudan………………………………………44
CPF Focal Points
…………………………………………………………….
40
42
45
3
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency
CPF
This Country Programme Framework
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
SIT
Sterile Insect Technique
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
TLD
Thermo luminescence Dosimeters
NDT
Non Destructive Testing
INISInternational Nuclear Information System
NORMs
Naturally Occurring of Radioactive Materials
UN
United Nations
UNDP
United Nation Development Programme
ODA
Official Development Aid
QCNS Quarter Century National Strategy
CNS
Century National Strategy
FMD
Foot-and-Mouth Disease
RICKRadiation & Isotopes Centre in Khartoum
TBTuberculosis
FAOFood and Agricultural Organization
IDB
Islamic Development Bank
SAECSudan Atomic Energy Commission
AFRAAgreement for Research, Development and
Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology
CVL
Central Veterinary Laboratory
VRI
Veterinary Research Institute
WRE
Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity
NPD
Nuclear Power Directorate
NPP
Nuclear Power Plant
HRD
Human Resource Development
SAPThe Strategic Action Program
GEF
Global Environmental Facility
RTD
Residence Time Distribution
SNRRASudanese Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority
RPO
Radiation Protection Officer
TC
Technical Cooperation
CBPP Contagious bovine Pleuropneumonia
DCRTDimension Conformal Radiotherapy
WHO
World HealthOrganization
PACT
Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy
RPTC Radiation Protection Technical Committee
SSDL
Standard Secondary Dosimetry Laboratory
ISO
International standardization Organization
IRL
Internet reactor laboratory
NEPIONuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization
4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Country Programme Framework (CPF) contains development priorities agreed upon
between government of Sudan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a
strategic planning framework at country level for the period 2014 – 2018, it does not only
provide a future collaboration framework, but it also constitutes a consultative, comprehensive
and dynamic strategic priority-setting process. It represents an updated version of the previous
CPF 2009 – 2013.
The potential for long-term impact, contribution and assessment of the nuclear technologies
applications in Sudan for interrelated socio-economic development priority areas has been
determined in conjunction with the government policystrategies in pursuing fundamental
development and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)/Millennium
Declaration.
The CPF has been developed following broad and in-depth consultations between the IAEA and
the competent authorities of Sudan on the basis of a thorough analysis and assessment of the
potential contribution of nuclear science and technology to the achievement of national
development goals, taking into account the current state of development of nuclear applications
in Sudan, the steadily growing need for various uses of these applications, and the development
imperatives set forth by the Sudanese Government in its Quarter Century National Strategy Plan.
These consultations, conducted at both the policy and operational levels, have involved decisionmakers representing the various socio-economic sectors, scientists and managers of national
institutions with a view to defining a common approach to the effective integration of relevant
nuclear techniques into high-priority national programmes for sustainable development.
The Near-Term Core Programme
Sudan gives high priority to human resource development as a key factor in the success of
nuclear technology applications. Assistant from the IAEA will be required in the form of expert
missions to participate in on-going educational and training programmes in this field, as well as
to evaluate the syllabus for the programmes. Introduction of E-learning and distance learning is
also required.
In the field of agriculture and livestock production, Sudan will continue to expand and improve
crop production by focusing on increasing productivity per unit area of land mostly in climate
change affected areas. Sudan will adopt strategies to midigate the adverse effect of climate
change. This could be accomplished through developing high yielding and tolerant genotypes to
stresses, sustaining and integrating resource management and promoting the adoption of the
innovative solutions towards climate change. Thus, high yielding and stress tolerant varieties
with optimized package of production, efficient technology transfer channels. Thus, high
yielding and stress tolerant varieties with optimized package of production, efficient technology
transfer channels, production and marketing policies and post-harvest handling systems are
critical for improvement of agricultural production in the near term in Sudan.
Sudan also focus on increasing livestock productivity by breeding using artificial insemination
and embryo transfer guarded by improved diagnostic capabilities and well established capacity
building and sustainable cost effective supplementation package based on locally available feed
resources.
5
In the field of human health, the Government plans to expand and improves Sudan’s cancer care
capacity by integrating radiotherapy into a comprehensive cancer control programme to
maximize its therapeutic effectiveness and impact;this would integrate and align cancer
prevention, surveillance, early detection and screening programme, treatment and palliative care
activities and investment within Sudan public health system. Sudan will work on improving
machine maintenance capability to maximise efficient utilization of the existing centers, national
training programmes for radio therapyand medical physic needed to be consolidated to meet
current and future needs in human resources in this field taking in to account that Sudan will
establish new centers.
For Malaria, efforts will continue to develop application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as
part of an area-wide integrated approach for suppressing the malaria vector in a pilot area in the
northern part of Sudan. The first phase will be preparation for the release of sterile mosquitoes
into the targeted pilot area followed by a period of constant monitoring and evaluation. In
parallel, the mass production mosquito facility will be constructed as the first of its kind on the
African continent and it can also be used as a training centre for other scientists in the region.
Improvement of poor nutritional status is considered as one of the Sudanese priority in health
management. Training in the uses, and applications of isotopic and nuclear techniques in
nutrition will be needed to develop supplemental nutritional packages especially for groups at
risk such as children and pregnant women.
For water resources management, collaboration with the IAEA will continue for identification of
the direct recharge component and protection of groundwater resources of Sudan shallow
aquifers from pollution risks. using isotopic analysis for related elements (11B, 15N, 2H, 18O, 3H
and 14C) in rainwater, unsaturated zone moisture, and groundwater in combination with the
chemical and hydro-geological techniques as a complementary method will be used for
determination of NO3 pollutant source in groundwater and assessment and minimization of
health hazards to local communities and environmental hazards through protecting shallow
groundwater from pollution.
The national policy of radiation safety and nuclear security is to upgrade and strengthen technical
capabilities of the newly established independent National Regulatory Authority to start drafting
regulations necessary for implementation of the provisions of Sudan nuclear law which is
recently promulgated. Also a good control mechanism is still needed for many entry points in
order to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive materials. Training of customs and security
officers and suitable detection equipment is needed for this purpose. In this regard, IAEA
assistance will be required for developing national programmes that enhance its capacity to
address nuclear security issues.
Due to rise in energy demand, Sudan is planning to explore other options for generating power
for its population. Following a successful energy planning study, conducted with the use of
IAEA modeling tools, nuclear power has been suggested as a possible option. The IAEA
continuedassistance will help the Government to meet its ambitious plans for providing
electricity for the majority of the population by 2025.
The Medium Term Core Programme
Agricultural development strategy will focus on transforming agriculture in Sudan from a sector
dominated by subsistence production to a modern sector responsive to market signals and with
substantial contributions to poverty reduction and rural development through increasing
6
productivity, food security, growth, foreign exchange earnings and sustainable management of
natural resources. Nuclear techniques will be used to enhance crop productivity to optimise the
use of water fertilizers and nutrients.
In livestock, Sudan plan is to strengthen diagnostic capacity in national veterinary laboratories
with a strong emphasis on establishment of local production system for antigens, diagnostic
Reagents and kits and assist in vaccination through improving the locally produced vaccines and
development of new vaccines.
In human health, training of human resources will take a high priority through local and overseas
training to ensure sufficient staffing of existing and planned radiotherapy centres in Sudan. In
this regard the government plans to consolidate existing teaching programmes, covering medical
physics, radiation protection, medical instrumentation, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. This
will help in full utilisation of these centers to provide good services.
Further assistance will also be provided in combating malaria through the use of SIT in
controlling the malaria vector. With establishment of mass rearing facility more advanced stage
releasing techniques s into the target area will be started.
In the area of human nutrition, national efforts will continue to improve malnutrition status in
Sudan by strengthening and expanding the use of isotopic techniques by measuring the
micronutrients and energy needs of the targeted groups (children, pregnant women, and persons
affected by the AIDS virus and other infectious diseases and displaced population) with a view
to define a national food supplementation strategy as a part of regional strategies.
For radiation safety and regulations, development of the occupational radiation protection and
medical exposure programme, Sudan will continue to expand the current individual dosimetry
system and improve the efficiency of this service. Complimentary to thepersonal monitoring as
well as workplace monitoring services will be enhanced by procuring Thermo luminescence
Dosimeters (TLD) for environmental monitoring in the workplace.
Agency assistance will be needed for developing the legal and regulatory framework in nuclear
safety with specific emphasis on legal assistance for enacting the new nuclear law.
Sudan will continue working on development of the necessary infrastructure for introduction of
nuclear power with emphasis on human resource development.
In this regard Sudan will seek to establish a small research reactor to support human resources
development efforts undertaken by national universities and other related research institutes.
Due to rabid industrial and basic infrastructure development (bridges, roads, dams) Sudan will
continue developing its NDT and a radiotracer capabilities to meet the need of qualified service
provider in this area.
General Support Activities
In addition to the core TC programme, and withinsubstituting substitution of the Government
efforts and responsibilities , the IAEA’s assistance is essential for the continuation of activities
started under earlier programming cycles. Most of these support activities can generally be
delivered through AFRA or non-AFRA regional programmes.
The International Nuclear Information System (INIS) is the world’s leading information
systemon all aspects of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology so that
disseminationof INIS services will be increased through establishment of INIS offices in the
universities and research centers.
7
With regards to instrumentation, establishment of local capabilities in nuclear instrumentation,
including maintenance, calibration, repair, and design/modification of instruments, are key
elements in the sustainable development and promotion of practical applications of nuclear
techniques in Sudan.
Environmental monitoring is an on-going activity since 1990s. This programme covers the
following arrears:
 Radioactivity mapping including monitoring of NORMs due to oil and mineral
exploration
 Air quality (Radon indoors monitoring)
 Water quality ( Radionuclides)
Agency’s assistance will be needed to support these programmes.
8
I. Introduction
The Country Programme Framework (CPF) described in this document establishes a mutual
understandingbetween the Government of Sudan and the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) on future programming, focusing on developmental issues as well as on nuclear safety
and security that will contribute towards achieving the objectives identified in the National
Developmental Plans and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The CPF document
constitutes the frame of reference for the medium-term planning of technical cooperation
between the Republic of Sudan and the IAEA for the period 2014–2018and records therefore the
commitments of all stakeholders to ensure optimum benefits of IAEA cooperation activities to
national counterpart institutions, in accordance with national development goals and priorities.
The TC activities planned under the CPF support the sectoral needs expressed and priorities
established by the Government.
The Government’s and the IAEA’s endorsement of the CPF document, while not being legally
binding, represents a common commitment and reflects a shared responsibility to implement in a
sustainable manner, subject to the IAEA’s Board approval, the identified TC opportunities.
The present CPF builds upon the foundation laid by the previous CPF, with specific focus on
livestock disease control, water resources management, crop improvement, cancer management,
energy planning as well as nuclear safety and security. The overall aim is to enhance the
contribution of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology in Sudan, while at the
same time raising further awareness and creating and sustaining an environment for the safe
utilization of these techniques.
In this context, the CPF will continue to be the vehicle and source of ideas that will culminate in
viable and sustainable cooperative projects in line with the priorities that are identified below. It
should thus serve as the principle planning document for formulating TC project proposals and in
appraising those proposals and allocating TC and national resources.
The CPF is a concise working document that should be revised if and when critical
circumstances change.
The primary audiences for the CPF are those institutions and partners who are directly involved
in the TC Programme and may also serves as a useful source of information for higher levels of
management.
9
10
II. NATIONALDEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND
ACTIVITIESRELEVANTTO THEAGENCY’S TECHNICAL
COOPERATION PROGRAMME
II.1 Introduction
Republic of Sudan with its Khartoum capital is the second largest African country with respect to
area which is 1.88 million square kilometres. It lies at the crossroads between the north east
Africa and the Middle East , 12.4204° N, 30.6753° E bordered by Egypt to the north, the Red
Sea to the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia to the east, South Sudan to the south, the Central
African Republic to the southwest, Chad to the west and Libya to the northwest.
In 2012, the Central Bureau of Statistics estimated Sudan’s population to be 35.06 million. The
age group of children under 15 years represents 21.79 %, whereas, the highest group that are of
age between 15- 64 years represents 52.42% for both male and female with a 2.8% population
growth.
Sudan is gifted with considerably huge and diversified natural resources, fertile land, natural
forests, fresh water, biodiversity, wild and domestic animal stock, marine ecosystems, mineral
and soil resources and macroeconomic stability after eight years of the Comprehensive Peace
Agreement of 2005, the signing of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement and the Doha Document,
which has allowed significant opportunities to increase broad-based economic growth and access
to social services by many of its 35 million population which will reach 41 million by 2015
according to UN records. This has been buttressed by the undertaking of the 2008 census,
peaceful presidential and parliamentary election in 2010, a peaceful referendum in January 2011
and the secession of South Sudan.
The previous economic boom has now been challenged by the loss of oil revenues following the
separation of South Sudan which could potentially reverse recent national gains, 8 million of
population decrease since South Sudan is now a separate country, and a total of 46.5 % of the
population live below the poverty line, compared to a goal of 12.5% at the year 2015 and the
decline of Official Development Aid (ODA) from international donors, in compound with
continuing need for more sustainable livelihood as well as more equitable access to quality basic
services, that motivate Central Bank of Sudan to use the major portion of the financial resources
available to the bank and those attracted from foreign correspondent banks in favour of financing
the agriculture and industrial production.
Agriculture including fishery and forestry will remain the main economic return for the present
and coming era which has the highest contribution to GDP of about 41.59%. The main crops
cultivated areas (in Million Fedans) in 2011 are: 0.10 cotton, 3.53 Sesame, 3.82 Peanuts, 6.01
Millet, 17.28 Maize, 0.56 Wheat and Gum Arabic. Irrigated agriculture represents 9.01 % of
GDP and agricultural exports are 7.2 % of the total economic sectors export revenues in 2010.
Sudan has the largest number of animal populations in Africa where 9.1% of the population
depend on livestock for their livelihood. According to recent estimates, cattle population totals to
33 million, while sheep and goats are estimated to be around 70 million, camels to around 3
11
million and a considerable population of wildlife of diverse animal species. The livestock sector
supports about 30% of Sudan‘s human population and contributes about 15 % to the GDP while
its share in agricultural GDP goes up to 47.2%.
The government of Sudan gives priority to overall poverty reduction; reduced unemployment,
especially among youths; revitalization of agriculture and industry; strengthening of the private
sector, and combating environmental degradation, the impact of climate change, and risks of
natural and manmade disasters.
The key principals of government development guidance in the Five-Year National Development
Plan 2012 – 2016 include:
(1) Institutional development and human capacity strengthening;
(2) Use of sectoral approach as a driving modality for programmes;
(3) Promotion of civil society and non-government stakeholder participation in development
process;
(4) A move away from geographical focus area;
(5) Use of the national system to the extent possible in programme implementation; and
(6) Strengthening and promoting the principles of aid coordination.
The latest Strategy is the Quarter Century National Strategy (QCNS) (2007-2031), which focuses
on the implementation of economic reforms aimed at removing structural and institutional
rigidities. It is expected that this will lead to an increased output and income which will in turn
stimulate substantial private sector participation.
II.2 Sectoral Policies
II.2.1 Agriculture
The quarter century national strategy (QCNS) calls for utilization of biotechnology for
development to improve varieties of crops and livestock with high productivity.
Agriculture as defined in the Century National Strategy (CNS) is the major source of economic
development and livelihood for the rural people, and the engine of growth for the other economic
sectors such as trade, industry and transport. Sudan’s agro-ecological zones support a variety of
food, cash and industrial crops. Vast natural pastures and forests support large herds of livestock
including cattle, sheep and goats. The total exported commodities earned about 9,777,000 US$
FOB (Freight on Board) in 2010 that include oil and petroleum products, cotton, sesame,
livestock, groundnut, Arabic gum and sugar. In addition, trade in livestock is also an important
source for export revenue.
Agriculture accounted for 41-59% of GDP in 2012. Following the negative consequences of exit
of oil resources produced in South Sudan, the 3 years (2012-2014) programme of the central
bank of Sudan is to use the major portion of the financial resources available to the bank and
those attracted from foreign correspondent banks in favour of financing agricultural and
industrial production. One of the consequences owed to the exit of oil resources produced in
South Sudan is the decrease of DPD growth from 4.5% in 2010 to -7.3% in 2012 and the
increase of inflation rate from 13% in 2010 to 23.2% in 2012. These necessitates improvement of
agriculture production and increasing irrigated areas, that plays a basic role in the country’s
agricultural production which constitutes only about 7.95 % of the total cultivated land in Sudan.
Additional focus will be given to strengthening structural, strategic and policy aspects of
financial service and promoting investment in agriculture and livestock. To enhance access to
12
land, credit, markets, productive resources, the IAEA support with government prioritize cost
share projects will improve effectively production system and livelihood in Sudan.
Sudan government is aiming to count on agricultural sector, after the loss of its oil share to South
Sudan, in order to finance an enhanced fiscal policy programme and has set a target of doubling
the oil output over the medium term by increasing food production through sustainable
agricultural development as well as the revival of the traditional rural values, coupled with the
modernization of the agriculture sector in order to generate additional employment opportunities
as a prime objective of government to reduce poverty by 50 % by 2015 .
The strategy of agricultural revival calls for a comprehensive national socio-economic
development led by a dynamic agricultural sector capable of rapid and sustainable growth and
biased towards the weak and vulnerable sectors of the population. Adopted programme will be
implemented to develop agricultural export to safeguard against the risks of collapse of the
whole economy as a result of the distortions emanating from over-dependence on oil and the big
loss of oil share to South Sudan. In this concern investing in infrastructure is given high priority,
closely followed by policies that promote food security, poverty reduction, rural development,
increase in productivity, increase in value added and improvement of the marketing of the
eighteen major commodities on which rural communities in the different parts of the country
depend.
II.2.1.2 Livestock Production
The Sudanese Livestock sector is threatened by the occurrence of a variety of transboundary or
endemic diseases; one of these serious diseases is the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). FMD is
the most contagious disease of mammals and has a great potential of causing severe economic
loss in susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. FMD is one of the main constraints to the livestock
industry in the country. It is an important transboundary animal disease. The eradication of
Rinderpest has given leeway to re-allocating resources for controlling FMD as one of the priority
areas that is still requiring technical assistance in improving diagnostic capabilities and effective
vaccination programs. This will lead to increased Sustainable Livestock Production, through its
contribution to reduced animal disease and associated human health risks.
Livestock and meat trade is very important to Sudan in terms of improving livelihoods. The
“Green Mobilization” programme gives priority to those projects which benefit the majority of
the people in the rural areas such as intensive dairy projects, which can lead to improvements in
livelihoods within a short period. Another approach to distribution of the benefits over the whole
rural sector concerns commodity developments. This programme aims at developing the rural
sector through increasing productivity, increasing value added to products and improving
marketing of eighteen major commodities, of which livestock is a major one.
Livestock farming is an important component of the agricultural sector in Sudan for the
provision of animal-based food products and as a source of income for resource-poor farmers.
Therefore improvement of livestock production for enhanced food security through genetic
improvement of indigenous breeds using artificial insemination supported by reproductive
techniques, adequate animal disease control measures and improved nutrition is crucial. The
improved modernized livestock system includes integrated intensive livestock/crop production,
in which intensive dairy production is practiced using irrigated fields for fodder and added
concentrates. This sub-system is expected to play a major role in the future for the supply of milk
13
and meat in the country. The development of this sub-sector aims at raising the standard of living
and promoting food security by providing all type of meat, dairy products, and eggs, tothe local
market and for export.
II.2.2 Human Health
QCNS gives priority to communicable diseases health cornice problem such as malaria,
tuberculosis, bilharzias, HIV, malnutrition and other illnesses such as cancer.
The Government has put strategic emphasis on addressing health problems through its
development plans and cooperation programmes with different UN agencies and the Multi Donor
Trust Fund supported projects. The emphasis is placed on scaling-up interventions that would
make substantial progress towards the attainment of the MDGs and illustrates the need for the
adoption of multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach to combating poverty and improving
the situation of health in the country.
II.2.2.1 Cancer Management
Cancer is one of the major ten killer diseases for many years in Sudan, and the number of people
developing and dying from cancer is predicted to continue to increase steadily both in Sudan and
worldwide. Breast cancer is number one out of those ten cancers among Sudanese women, and
prostate cancer is the first among men population in Sudan. There is little improvement in our
cancer services of which we should rightly be worried due to inadequate facilities and few
specialized cancer centres; week maintenance; few evidence based cancer research; overspent
budgets-lack of accessibility to treatment and the high cost of treating cancer.
There are only two cancer centers in Sudan, Radiation and Isotopes Centre in Khartoum (RICK)
which is the oldest and National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Madani equipped with radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, nuclear medicine and trained staff. In Shandi Cancer Center in River Nile State
there is only chemotherapy and nuclear medicine. The proposed centers are Marawe, AlFasher,
Suba, military and police centers, Aloebid and AlGadarif. But still the total number of these
centers is below the IAEA recommendation which suggest one center for each 2-5 million of
population.
The patient’s registry at RICK witnessed more than two fold increase in number of patients
between the year 2000 to 2009 (2471 to 5739 respectively) which is increasing annually; most of
the patients reach the treatment facility at the late stage, in addition to patients arriving from
neighbouring countries.
The government represented in Federal Ministry of Health and national stakeholders
collaboratively adopt national cancer strategy with a vision to raise awareness of cancer predisposing factors in Sudanese people; reduce the incidence of cancer through primary
prevention; ensure early detection to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality; ensure effective
diagnosis and treatment; improve quality of life for those with cancer and their family through
support, rehabilitation and palliative care; improve delivery of services across the continuum of
cancer control though effective planning, coordination and integration of resources, education
and training activities, monitoring and evaluation; and promoting the role of national cancer
registry.
14
The proposed national plan is expected to improve treatment of the cancer in existing and
proposed cancer centres by upgrading and expanding radiotherapy and nuclear medicine
services; improving the sustainability of these services through provision of maintenance of
machines; introducing 3Dimension for better targeting of tumours; train of trainers to build the
capabilities to meet the need of the new centers to be established as a government commitment,
and the IAEA advice and support for continuous education and training of cancer care and
treatment professionals.
II.2.2.2 Malaria
Malaria has had a devastating effect on health and development in sub-Saharan Africa and is
the largest cause of mortality in children. Malaria is a public health problem in Sudan and
consumes a major portion of the national health budget more efforts would be needed to address
and control the problem through continuous cooperation with the IAEA and other partners.
This situation emphasized the urgency of research, development and implementation of new
technology for malaria control at region and local level. The remarkable success of area-wide
sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes against screwworm, tsetse, and fruit flies provides a
sound basis for contemplating the prospects for SIT intervention to suppress populations of
malaria vectors - Anopheles mosquitoes.
In Northern State of Sudan most cases occur in the immediate vicinity of the Nile River, where
agriculture activity is made possible by irrigation. Sudan Government has been actively
conducting a feasibility study for the application of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in a pilot
area against the predominant vector species, Anopheles arabiensis.
II.2.2.3 Tuberculosis
Sudan alone carries 11-15% of the TB burden in the eastern Meditarranean Region, the estimated
incidence of new TB cases is 119/100,000 population, that gives a total of 37,072 estimated new
cases for a 35million population in north sudan in 2010. In addition, it has been estimated that
the prevalence of all cases was to be 209 cases per 100,000 population. The overall estimated
death rate including HIV infected TB cases was 24 per 100,000 population. In the year 2010 the
notified cases were 20910 cases.
In the year 2009-2010, age distribution of new smear-positive cases shows that the majority of
cases were between 15 and 54 years of age (78.4%-80.9% respectively). These data are in
compliance with the global trends that the majority of cases are in their productive ages. This
may reflect also the economical burden. Children under 5 years represent 5% and from 5-14
about 8.4% of all cases.
In humans, infection by Mycobacterium bovis usually occurs in patients drinking unpasteurised
milk in the past which is the probable source of infection. Recently, the availability of Person-toperson transmission was reported in Sudan and Britain. Sudan is one among the nations that
possesses the largest number of livestock population in the African Continent. As humans and
animals are sharing the same micro-environment especially in rural areas,the role of M. bovis in
causing pulmonary andExtra Pulmonary TB is expected to be highand this needs to be clarified.
The burden in animals needs to be studied in association with that in humans.
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The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially multidrugresistant (MDR) strains, defined as resistant to at least isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF), poses
a threat to the success of tuberculosis control programs. ManyPolymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR)based strategies have been used to detect mutations in the target genes of interest, which
include DNA sequencing, fingerprinting, heteroduplex analysis, RFLP, SSCP and the use of
probes. Each system has inherent problems.
Rapid detection of drug resistance could not only optimize the treatment and improve the
outcome of patients with drug resistant TB, but is especially important in the prevention of
transmission of drug resistant TB. It can also be used in drug surveillance studies. To be costeffective in resource-poor countries where most drug resistant TB patients reside, it will be
crucial that molecular genetic tests fulfil the criteria of accuracy, speed and simplicity. The
evaluation of the frequency of the distribution of various mutations, in clinical isolates
originating from different geographical regions, will be essential for the selection of a limited
number of target mutations which enable the detection of the majority of drug resistance.
The national plan will be directed for adequately control the risk to humans from by applying
molecular techniques for improving disease control through cross-cutting approaches to optimize
interventions against tuberculosis.
II.2.2.4 Other Communicable Diseases
Sudan isbordering countries with high HIV infection rate, therefore, the country is required to
build capabilities in combating HIV. This includes molecular based diagnostic techniques.
II.2.2.5 Malnutrition
There is a growing consensus that priority should be given to supporting nutritional programmes,
which focus on the most vulnerable groups, usually children under the age of five and women.
Various strategies and interventions are used to control micronutrients malnutrition and
promotion of breastfeeding programmes, including supplementation, food diversification and
public health measures. Sudan has adopted food fortification strategy as a long term intervention.
The use of stable isotopes analysis is the only direct and most accurate method for gaining
information on nutrition programme efficacy and also for monitoring nutrition intervention such
as fortification and food supplementation programmes.
II.2.3 Energy
The QCNS for this sector concentrates on increasing the exploration of oil and increase of the
capacity of the refineries and pipelines that transport oil to export ports, in addition for electricity
strategy calls for increasing production from hydro, solar, wind sources in addition to increased
mineral exploration.
Sudan is endowed with a variety of energy resources of conventional and non-conventional
types, but most of them are still unexploited. The main energy sources used in the past were noncommercial (biomass - firewood, charcoal, and agriculture residues). Sudan is also rich with
other resources, like hydro potentials from River Nile and its tributaries which approximately
give1540 MW of electrical power.
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Also the country enjoys vast quantity of solar energy. The average annual daily solar radiation is
22.84 MJ/M2/year. Sudan also has other resources such as wind, mini-hydro and geothermal.
The total discovered domestic oil reserves originally in place to date is about 4.33 billion
Stock barrels while the Natural gas reserves are about 579.2 trillion cubic feet distributed mainly
in three blocks.
In order to guide the government policy on energy, an Energy Sector Strategic Plan covering
the period 2012-2016 has been developed with the main vision for “achievement of a national
economy based on stable optimal exploitation of oil wealth, and provision of continuous power
supply and security of resources available and efficient integrated transport system that meets the
citizens needs and maintains the integrity of the environment. With respect to the Sector Mission
it is to “Provide the best services in excess of the requirements of the beneficiaries under the
criteria and standards, quality and preservation of the environment with national capacitybuilding and developing partnerships to achieve economic and social development balance.
A Renewable Energy Sector policy has also been developed to exploit the potential of
renewable energy resources and to promote the provision of adequate and sustainable supply
from appropriate alternatives fuels i.e. switching from biomass.
National counterparts have been very active in developing policy documents needed by
theGovernment to make informed decisions on energy policy. Using IAEA model tools, a final
energy demand of renewable energy and electricity study has been developed to correspond with
the anticipated future economic growth of the country.
Electricity
Electricity demand, in particular, is expected to increase from 10590.9 GWh to 86824.6 GWh by
2039. The total existing installed capacity will increase from 2600 MW to 22430.25 MW by
2039.
The need for electricity in Sudan is increasing rapidly for both industrial and domestic sectors.
A previous study, conducted with IAEA support assessed the demand for energy and electricity
in Sudan and concluded that consideration of including nuclear power in Sudan energy mix is
justifiable.
II.2.4 Water Resources
Sudan lies mostly in the arid region where water is a scarce commodity. About 60% of human
population and majority of livestock live away from the Nile system where provision of water
imposes the major constraints facing their stability and development.
The recurrent droughts, continuous population growth coupled with civil wars tribal conflicts
have put intense pressure on the use of groundwater resources.
Water resources in Sudan are varied and include rain water, the River Nile water, valleys,
groundwater and non-conventional water (an option). Sudan is currently classified among the
countries which have a shortage of water according to the classification of the United Nations
(less than 1000 m 3 / year / capita).
Evaporation and evapotranspiration is generally high, ranging from 1000 to 3000 mm/year.
One hectare of seasonal crop requires about 12000 m3 of water if planted once per year, but
about 94% of the presently abstracted water in the Sudan goes to agriculture, 5% to human and
animal consumption and 1% for industrial and other uses. Gezira, Rahad, Suki and New Halfa
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are the four largest national schemes of the country. Application of chemical fertilizers,
insecticides and herbicides in irrigated agriculture may cause pollution of water bodies and
negatively affect human health and surrounding environment. Municipal and industrial wastes
may cause environmental hazards if not treated properly. Drought spells and the accompanying
desert creep, loss of vegetal cover and deforestation have far-reaching environmental effects.
The objective of the Sudan policy for 2012-2016 is to increase the rates of access to safe water
supply in rural areas by 20 litres per capita per day and 90 litres per capita per day in urban areas
as well as increasing access to environmental sanitation services to 67% of the population of
Sudan in rural and urban areas by the end of 2015 to achieve the objectives of MDGs.
This policy also aims at achieving the Government Quarter Century strategic Plan of 2007-2031,
that intends to increase the level of access to reach 50 litres per capita per day in rural areas and
150 litres per capita per day in urban areas, in addition full coverage of all schools, public health
facilities and religious premises by the end of Quarter Century strategic Plan in the 2031.
The government of Sudan aims to improve the availability and use of hydrological information
through the application of isotope techniques science. Groundwater is a vital resource for both
urban and rural environments and it is estimated that more than 75% of water supply comes from
groundwater, although this groundwater resource is threatened by human activity and the
unveiling climatic changes.It is an essential part of the hydrologic cycle and a valuable natural
resource whose management is particularly relevant to sustaining agriculture, industrial uses and
ecosystems and the provision of clean drinking water supplies.
II.2.5 Industry
II.2.5.1 Non-Destructive Testing
Sudan is witnessing an increasing industrial development,particularly in the oil exploration
sector where oil pipe line is been constructed from oil fields to the main port pipe line for
exportation, in addition several cement and sugar manufacturing factories,Dams, Bridges and
multi-stores buildingsare being constructed.
All theseactivities call for establishing a national Non- Destructive Testing (NDT) authority and
capability in Sudan.
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III. Relevant International Development Assistance
In the field of agriculture and livestock, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has
pledged and contributed significantly to national projects in Sudan as follows:
 US$ 493,000 for Surveillance and Diagnosis of Foot- and- Mouth Disease (FMD)
TCP/SUD/3303 during the period July 2011 - June 2013
 Strengthening of Serology and ELISA laboratory by provision of antigens and reagents with
anexpert mission to conduct zero-surveillance and upgrade quality diagnosis of FMD and
staff training.
In the health sector for combating Malaria, a grant from the IDB has been approved for funding
the construction of mass rearing facility, capacity building, training and field activities through
Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) project.
Sudan is central within the ten Nile basin countries. All the major tributaries meet inside the
Sudan and the Nile flows thence to Egypt as a single river. The three major non-Nile systems,
namely Gash, Baraka and Azoom, are shared with neighbouring countries. The Nubian
Sandstone aquifer is shared with Chad, Egypt and Libya. Thus any national water resources
policy is bound to affect and be affected by the policies of those countries sharing the same water
resource systems; on the other hand, environmental effects usually go beyond national borders.
Hence regional joint efforts are required to address them, such as joint applied research and
training, exchange of information, consensus concerning control measures, regional integrated
projects, and the like.
A joint advisory committee was formed recently between the Sudan and Ethiopia for the
exchange of information and bilateral efforts, especially in watershed management, wildlife
protection and hydropower linkages. Some work has started with Chad for water harvesting
along the shared water courses. Groundwater assessment for the Nubian Sandstone aquifer has
started jointly with Egypt and Libya, and may continue to a common management of that shared
resource. Sudan will continue to support, activate and enhance cooperation with its neighbours,
especially in water sector affairs.
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IV. OVERVIEW OF AGENCY PAST AND PRESENT TECHNICAL
COOPERATION ACTIVITIES
Sudan became a Member State of the Agency in 1958. The Sudan Atomic Energy Commission
(SAEC), under the supervision of the Minister of Science and Technology, is responsible for the
coordination of the IAEAs Technical Cooperation Programme in the country.
Since the period 2001 – 2013 Sudan has implemented 34 national projects and 101 regional
projects with approximately 10.8 Million USD, 84% of this budget was used for capacity
building and 16% for equipment.
For the national projects, human health represents 35% of the budget 5.5 Million USD followed
by animal health and agriculture with 18% and 12% of the budget respectively.
Sudan remains an active member of the African Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research,
Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), and will
continue to participate in various regional AFRA and non-AFRA projects, and also host regional
events.
IV.1 Food and Agriculture
IV.1.1 Improving Crop Productivity
Sudan participated in several projects in the agricultural sector such as SUD 5030, SUD 5033,
RAF AFRA 5056, RAF 5058, and RAF 5066. The overall achievements were:
 A couple of new crop varieties /techniques have been developed and have shown great
potential for increasing crop productivity in Sudan. However, they are either not yet well
integrated with other production techniques or still need further tests and optimization in
banana and wheatcrops.
 Enhancement of the national capacity to use nuclear techniques to expand production of
established varieties in banana and wheat lines and to increase the productivity of new
varieties in sugarcane and tomatoes in Sudan.
 The release of two wheat varieties, Khalifa and Tagana, with high yield. Two tomato
varieties with high yield and resistant to leaf curl disease were also released in addition to
the mass propagation and dissemination of the released banana, cv. Albeely, to a limited
number of farmers. Also, three groundnut mutants with drought tolerance and high yield
potential are under evaluation in national variety trail prior to the official release to
farmers.
 Some progress was made in the dissemination of the new irrigation and greenhouse
technologies, and raising of the awareness of small scale farmers about the advantages of
using advanced irrigation technologies and protect agriculture in producing high value
crops.
 Installation and use of automatic mini-weather station
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1V.I.2 Animal Health and Production
With regard to the livestock sub-sector, considerable support has been provided by the Agency in
the field of animal production and health through many projects such as SUD 5031, SUD 5035,
RAF 5060, and RAF5057.
The general outcomes were:
 Improve diagnosis of brucellosis in four veterinary research laboratories; Khartoum,
Nyala, El Obeid and Port-Sudan, to facilitate exportation of live animals and meat from
Sudan to importing countries due to their unique characteristics and to meet the increase
in demand for Sudanese livestock.
 Brucellosis is a major constraint to public health, livelihoods and to the country's exports,
most of those who had benefited from the training courses pursued their on job training to
M.Sc. degrees and are training others. The situation of brucellosis in the different animal
species in the country was well studied and all diagnostic tests werecarried out
successfully.
 Enhancement of the national capacity to diagnose Brucellosis in ruminants to improve
food safety and secure animal exports. Specifically, Production of Brucella RBT and
SAT Antigens and conduction of Standardization procedures of the products for export
harmonization trials between the network laboratories.
 Some infrastructures and facilities at theCentral Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) were
assessed and the needs were identified.
 Capability of CVL staff members increased due to training received in a fellowship and
scientific visit in screening and conformation methods for veterinary drug residues;
 Procurement of equipment and reagents Charm11 as major screening method for
veterinary drug residues;
 Supporting the Use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in tsetse infested area (such as
Blue Nile Province next to infested areas in Ethiopia), collection and up-date of baseline
data regarding tsetse dynamics, animal trypanosomosis, mapping and socio-economic
and environmental aspects were conducted. The IAEA provided equipment to establish a
tsetse rearing laboratory in the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI).
 Capacity building of the technical staff on diagnosis and epidemiological approach for
transboundary animal diseases.
IV.2 Human Health
IV.2.1 Radiotherapy
IAEA assistance through SUD 6028 improved and raised the experience of the cancer
management staff in the country and developed the status of cancer treatment and cancer
management network, which will help to face the need of human resource for the new proposed
centers.The work in the radiotherapy network started with training of HRD for Ribat center, and
for Marawe center the architectural drawing is being considered.
In addition to the above network to Marawe and Ribat centers, the government from local
resources has established Shandi Centre at River Nile state, this Centre has (SPECT) gamma
camera for diagnosis, it has been working since four years ago, the centre also has I-131 unit for
treating patients of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism.This unit receives the patients from the
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whole of Sudan. The centre is planning to enlarge its services to cover the northern half of Sudan
and include radiotherapy services as well.
IV.2.3 Malaria
Sudan started using sterile insect technique early to control Malaria and received great assistance
through many IAEA national and regional projects such as SUD 5032, SUD 5034, and RAF
5052. The following activities were achieved through the implementation of these projects:
 Many release trials have been conducted in the target area, recapturing of the released
males from the site as well as from the identified swarms have been conducted. It has
become very important to sustain this great effort by embarking into the second phase of
the project that mainly depends on mass rearing, sterilization and area-wide releases of
sterile males of Anopheles arabiensis. An intermediate scale insectary is being renovated
in Soba to prepare for preliminary field releases.
 The major part of research in SIT and development phase has been successfully
completed. The capability of researchers increased in advanced molecular techniques for
Malaria diagnosis, study of drug resistance, and molecular biology of Malaria parasite.
The Tropical Medicine Research Institute became a pioneer in the field of isotopes-based
molecular techniques and the well-established laboratory has become a reference lab for
universities and other research institutes.
 An important support to SIT implementation in Sudan was the grant fund received from
the Islamic Development Bank through Sudan Ministry of Finance and for the first time
initiated a joint collaboration between the IDB and IAEA.
 Solid experience in mass rearing and sterile male releases has been gained and
strengthened the national capacity to develop sustainable An. arabiensis control
technology and knowledge integrating the sterile insect technique for the Northern State
of Sudan.
 Instalment of mosquito mass rearing equipment and the staff well trained on operation
and mass rearing. The production of mosquitoes mass rearing was maximized which
reached 150,000 mosquitoes per rack per week that enable large and considerable amount
of sterile mosquito males released to the field.
IV.2.4 Malnutrition
Sudan had also received assistance from AFRA under the project RAF 6030 “Applying stable
isotope techniques to monitor and improve infants and young children nutrition intervention in
AFRA countries” (2009-2013). This project assists African countries to modify and update their
breast feeding strategy in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF.
IV.3 Energy Planning
Provision of energy form majority of the population is been given top priority by the
Government.
The Government has been aware of this need for several years, and IAEA support have been
provided under the previous and active TC Projects SUD 0011, SUD 2004, RAF 2009 which
helped the country to determine the optimal energy generation mix up to the year 2030, including
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the potential of nuclear power for electricity generation, and strengthened Sudan's local
capability for undertaking energy and electricity planning studies using Agency’s methodologies
and planning tools.
Sudan government tookmany steps to realize these projects and build the first nuclear power
plant; this include:
 Financial Support was allocated by Sudan Government to the country’s Nuclear Power
Programme including support for some members of the programme to participate in
international and regional workshops and conferences on nuclear power.
 Effort made by Sudan Nuclear Power Programme Team members in re-writing the
strategy document according to IAEA guidelines;
 Re-selection of Sudan as a regional training centre for energy planning.
 In 2007 the ex-minister of Energy and Mining launched the NP Program and established
two committees (steering and technical) with members from key stakeholders. The two
committees prepared the draft strategy report.
 In 2010 Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity (WRE) has been established as a
successor of the Ministry of Energy and Mining with regard to electricity generation
including the nuclear power program.
 WRE established the Nuclear Power Directorate (NPD) to oversee the introduction of the
first Nuclear Power Plant by 2020.
 WRE was appointed as the owner of the 1st Sudan NPP.
 NPD and national committees work as Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing
Organization(NEPIO)for Sudan NP programme
 NPD focuses on specific activities related to implementation of the first NPP e.g. siting,
some grid studies. HRD, feasibility study etc.
 National committees follow up the activities related to the overall nuclear program e.g.
drafting and enacting the nuclear law and complying with the international instruments.
Some recommendations were highlighted:
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The Government of Sudan should investigate all of the activities necessary to implement
nuclear power and to prepare all of the necessary steps to enable a decision to implement
nuclear power be taken and
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The forecasted Sudan demand for energy and electric power specifically justifies
considering the first nuclear power plant by 2015. With a growing need for electricity
production for both its industrial and private consumer sectors, the nuclear option should
strongly be investigated. This will require strong commitment and a lot of work to assess
the feasibility for the introduction of nuclear power as an option for the generation of
stable electricity for the Sudanese population.
IV.4 Water Resources
The IAEA has already provided support to water resources sector through several projects
SUD 8010, SUD 7001, RAF 8041, RAF 8042, and RAF 8048.The accomplishments in these
projects were:
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The Strategic Action Program (SAP) establishes a framework on agreed management to
address the key transboundary concerns and concerns that are shared between countries,
impacting the unique and important Nubian Aquifer shared by Chad, Egypt, Libya and
Sudan. The transboundary concerns were identified collectively by the four countries in
the preparation of Shared Aquifer Diagnostic Analysis (SADA). SAP as final project
documents now is ready and the four countries agreed to these documents on final project
meeting held on November 2011 in Vienna. IAEA in January 2013 finalized SAP
documents which were signed in September 2013 ready to seek funding from the
international organizations specially GEF (Global Environmental Facility).
Concerning RAF 8042 in Sudan the project covers Blue Nile from the border with
Ethiopia to the junction at Khartoum; White Nile downstream of SUD area, and the River
Nile Downstream from Khartoum up to Dongola. The project succeeded to conduct all
sampling activities planned in all locations suggested in Sudan and partially in South
Sudan due to separation.
Capacity building in the field of isotopes hydrology and information technology.
IAEA has assisted in the analysis of 15N and 18O isotopes which help in determination of
nitrate sources in three shallow aquifers (Gash basin in East, Bara basin in West Sudan
and Khartoum basin in the center of Sudan).
Samples analysed form Kassala (Gash alluvium basin) and Bara areas determined the
sources of pollution, these sources were: urbanization activities; dumping of solid wastes;
leakage from septic tank; washed wastes by wade flow; agricultural activities; presence
of livestock around opened wells.
Implementation of these projects led to detection of the origin of pollution affecting
groundwater in basins so as to obtain a better knowledge of factors contributing to the
distribution of nitrates and to develop a national capacity with the use of isotopes in the
management of water resources in Sudan.
Some constraints faced implementation of these projects such as delay of arrival of
chemicals and lab. Equipment and the sensitivity for collecting and preserving the
samples for the isotopes analysis.
IV.5 Industrial Applications
IV.5.1 Radiation Processing
Sudan started using radiation processing technique through many projects early and successful
implementation was achieved. Due to the need of development, new sterilization methodologies
of natural, medical and industrial goodswere introduced and to promote the export market the
IAEA gave more support to thisthrough more projects such as SUD 8009 and RAF 8044. The
following activities were performed:
 Promote radiation processing technology and enhance the national capacity to establish
the infrastructure needed to prepare a feasibility study on the role of radiation processing
in enhancing the quality and value of medical and industrial goods and natural products
for export.
 Development of research and educational programmes and recruitment of new staff for
different applications and specializations, implementation of the national training course
on radiation processing of materials and the establishment of intensive contact with
beneficiaries to use the existing Co60 facility.
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Preparation of a feasibility study for the establishment of a multipurpose industrial scale
irradiation facility in the country.
IV.5.2 NDT and Radiotracer Applications
The industrial sector had a good assistance from the IAEA in addition to local efforts through
NDT projects, RAF 8040, RAF 8043, which led to the building of high qualified capabilities that
led to demonstrate NDT techniques in the country in many industries such as petroleum,
petrochemical, mining, cement, and sugar.
What was achieved in these projects?
 Successful performance of column scanning technique using Co-60 for petrochemical
industry in Khartoum refinery led to the distribution of the technique and encouraged
many other companies to apply.
 Radiotracer technique has found its application in various fields, Leak detection of Heat
Exchanger was conducted once in Khartoum refinery, no leakage was found but this
investigation showed how it eliminates the need for shutdown in either case. Recently,
Residence Time Distribution (RTD) application was done to investigate and diagnose
hydrodynamic behaviour of the Military Hospital waste-water treatment plant, the
percentage of dead volumes clearly suggested that the aeration tank and secondary
clarifier were well utilized in the whole plant.
 Laboratory demonstrations were arranged by the ‘Flow Rig’ for flow rate measurements
and RTD analysis to train tracer group in terms of technical know-how, practical
experience and
laboratory/field equipment and also trained undergraduate and
postgraduate students on the principles of radiotracer in the Laboratory. This has resulted
in promoting and improving quality of services provided and enhanced acceptance of the
technology by the end-user.
 NDT application techniques increased and sustainably promoted in industrial sector, in
addition, standardisation of training, qualification and certification of NDT personnel was
well improved.
IV.6 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security
During the previous periods of the CPF, Sudan took part in a good number of national and
regional technical corporation projects in the area of radiation safety and nuclear security in its
various milestones. Sudan has reached a considerable self-reliance ability and sustainability. It is
expected that the country will continue to progress well with the implementation of activities
under the new projects.
The achievements in SUD9008, RAF9031, RAF9032, RAF9033, RAF9034, RAF9035,
RAF9037, RAF9038, RAF9040, RAF9041 projects were as follows:
 A new Act has been drafted to establish an independent regulatory authority.
 In a decree of Minster of Science and Technology establishes an independent
Regulatory Body under the name “Sudanese Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory
Authority (SNRRA)”, which has a Board of 14 members from most stakeholders
including the director of the Technical Office of the Regulatory Body
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Expansion of a personal radiation monitoring system with equipment to cover more
than 2000 workers. The achievement included training and education of staff
members.
Medical exposure is improved through establishment of protocols addressing the
issues in systematic ways (optimization). Requirements for licensing of medical
radiological facilities are established and inspections conducted.
Qualified Experts available (in Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and
Radiotherapy) to implement radiation protection programmes, and appropriately
qualified medical and paramedical staff with appropriate radiation protection training.
Establishment of food monitoring laboratories and environmental radioactivity
monitoring system.
Concerns were expressed about the relatively high doses (>50 mSv/year) received by
some members of the public living in areas containing high levels of uranium,
thorium, radium and radon in the soil, and their water consumption. A monitoring
programme was established in order to create radiation maps of the country with
priorities given to areas with high natural radioactivity. This monitoring programme
included the measurement of gamma radiation levels and of the activity of soil, water
and vegetation samples. A document reported various environmental measurement
activities, including the study of the Red Sea marine environment, measurements of
activity of building materials and radon concentration measurements in buildings.
Establishment of a national committee for emergency preparedness and response with
training of the staff members.
Establishment of training program in radiation protection for medical physicists and
RPO’s
Establishment of a central radioactive waste management facility with adequate
security system for control of storage sources.
Radiation and Waste Safety: a site for waste management where more than 300
radioactive sources are stored was established with adequate security measures to
protect the premises.
A successful mission was conducted to manage four high radioactive sources
(SHARS) using a mobile hot cell.
A successful IAEA supported mission to repatriate two Co 60 sources was conducted
in December 2013.
Establishment of 3 postgraduate programs:
- Master of Science in Radiation and Environmental Protection, sponsored by
Sudan Academy of Sciences through Atomic Energy Council (2009);
- Master of Science in Nuclear Science and Technology, sponsored by Sudan
Academy of Sciences through Atomic Energy Council (2010);
- Master of Nuclear Security, sponsored by High Academy of Security and
Strategic Studies (2013).
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V. ENVISIONED COUNTRY PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The future programme planning opportunities under this CPF are organized into three categories.
The first category referred to as the Near Term Core Programme includes the highest priority
activitieswith a potential for significant impact and for which the bulk of the country’s TC
Programme budgetwill be devoted.
The second category includes those activities, which are projected to become the next set of
coreprojects. Support for these activities will be concentrated primarily on building those
components ofinfrastructure and technical capacity, including human resources development that
are expected to berequired for the next set of core activities and which require a significant lead
time. Support forappropriate feasibility studies can also be included in this category.
The third category identifies the support that is essential for the continuation of ongoing
activities, including those initiated through previous TC projects, which might otherwise lapse or
fail.
The programming plans outlined here emanate from numerous consultations between the
relevantnational authorities and staff members of the Agency. They are consistent with
Government’spriorities with regard to the utilization of nuclear techniques for socio-economic
development and takesaccount of accomplishments of and progress made under previous and
present IAEA-supported projects.
V.1 The Near-Term Programme
The forthcoming 2014–2016 TC programme assistance will be requested in the area of human
health and agriculture. Under human health a project addressing maintenance of major
radiotherapy and concentratingtraining programmes on the field of cancer is submitted for
funding.
V.1.1 Human Resource Development Strategy
In this context Sudan consolidates on-going human resource programmes:
 M.Sc. of Nuclear Science and Technology
 M.Sc. of Radiation Protection
 Medical Physics
 Radiation Oncology
 Electronics and Nuclear Instrumentation (proposed)
 Nuclear Security (proposed)
Due to acute brain drain, these programmeswill required to be supported by experts from the
IAEA and audio visual laboratories, so that Sudanese expatriates could still contribute in these
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degree-oriented training programmes in addition to short training and on job training
programmes.
V.1.2 Agriculture
V.1.2.1 Improving Crop Production
Expanded crop production should be achieved largely by focusing on productivity per unit area
of land. Thus, high yielding varieties with optimized package of production, efficient technology
transfer channels, production and marketing policies and post-harvest handling systems are
critical for improvement of agricultural production in the near term in Sudan.
Around 90% of the cereal production in Sudan is rain fed. Major food crops such as cereals,
vegetables and fruits are challenged by a number of biotic stresses including heat, drought,
salinity, pests and disease. The production of food under such an environment is far below selfsufficiency. Nuclear techniques and related biotechnology can contribute to addressing such
constraints through mutation breeding complemented by molecular marker and tissue culture
techniques to speed up the production of stress tolerant varieties with enhanced quality and
competitive market value. Furthermore, nuclear techniques can enhance understanding of stress
tolerance and optimization of production packages including water, fertilizer and pest
management.
However, much emphasis should be given to the traditional rain-fed farming system that suffers
from the negative impacts of climate change and low input leading to lower yields. Technical
packages that address the problems of low and erratic rain fall, poor soil fertility, declining yields
and lack of proper crop rotation and improved crop varieties will help much in reducing the
poverty in these areas.
Sudan is generally self-sufficient in basic foods, with important inter-annual and geographical
variations, and with wide regional and household disparities in food security prevailing across
the country. The high-risk areas are North Kordofan, North Darfur, the Red Sea, Butana and the
fringes of the major irrigation schemes in addition to the war affected areas.
The gaps that could provide a good chance for considerable success and achievements for the
future plan in improving crop production are:
 Low level of productivity to all factors of production.
 Out-dated systems of production in the agricultural sector due to absence of a holistic
vision of agricultural development.
 Lack of application of recommended research findings.
 Weak research and extension services and shortage of improved seeds.
 Lack of capacity to produce agricultural inputs locally.
The existing situation of the low crop yield and quality that added to food insecurity and
poverty are mainly due to low and erratic rainfall, poor soil fertility, lack of the improved crop
cultivars and inappropriate management practices. The absence of innovative and integrated
management of the system components, which are the lack of improved elite genotypes, low soil
fertility and poor water management, the need for water harvesting techniques and integration of
cereals with improved legumes varieties are among the core issues to be addressed.
28
In the near term, the IAEA continued support will be needed to ensure food security and
improved livelihood by enhancing and sustaining crop productivity and quality through adoption
of improved breeding methodologies and crop management for the major food crops (sorghum,
pearl millet, soybean, ground nut, onion and banana) in the drought prone areas of Sudan.
Nuclear technology can be used in mutation by irradiation technique, molecular markers, and
soil water management and determination crop water and fertilizer requirements.
Therefore, the vision of agricultural strategy is a comprehensive national socio-economic
development led by a dynamic agricultural sector capable of rapid and sustainable growth and
biased towards the weak and vulnerable sectors of the population.
V.1.2.2 Self-satisfaction and Increase of Livestock Trade Export
Globally, the Peste des petitsruminant (PPR) is responsible for major economic losses in sheep
and goats. The presence of the disease in a country may limit its trade and export beside the loss of
animal protein for human consumption.
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is one of the most serious and highly contagious
diseases of cattle and to a smaller extent, buffalo. The disease is a major threat to cattle in many
parts of the world including Africa and is considered to be one of the most important diseases of
cattle (Cetinkaya et al., 2003). However diseases like PPR, FMD, Pox, RVF and brucellosis are
also of great importance.
The national strategic plan is meant to support the economic structure of the country through
better utilization of the natural resources with an aim to increase the national gross product
(NGP), improve the living standard and to avail food security. One of the most important
supports of these strategies is to establish firm base for livestock production to suffice the
country’s need and surplus for export.
For the development and increase in animal production, the government policies aims at settling
nomadic sector in the rich Savannah areas and integrating animals in the irrigated agricultural
schemes. In addition, these policies further aims at gradual introduction of higher productive
foreign breeds and to upgrade the local breeds to satisfy the local demand and earning of foreign
currency.
Establishment of local Production system for antigens, diagnostic reagents and kits and
implementation of vaccination against the major epidemics which include viral, bacterial and
parasitic vaccines through improving the locally produced vaccines and development of new
vaccines would be of value and will have significant economic impacts. In addition, artificial
insemination and embryo transfer techniques supported by progesterone measuring radio–
immunoassays for diagnosis of non– pregnancy are warranted for quality upgrading and they are
crucial steps towards self-satisfaction and increase of export.
Sudan’s animal products provide valuable protein intake for the national human diet, and live
exports provide a major source of foreign exchange earnings. To meet the regulatory demands of
importing countries there is a need for a National Plan, supported by adequate laboratory
facilities with skilled staff and suitable analytical methods, for the analysis of chemical
contaminants in food of animal origin.
29
The aim in the near term is to set up a laboratory for veterinary drug residue analysis in animal
products at CVRL is operating appropriate quality control and quality assurance protocols
validated to international standards.
It is worth mentioning that the agency is helping Sudan now to establish Laboratory at The
CVRL, for monitoring veterinary drug residues and prohibited substances in livestock and
livestock products through application of nuclear and related techniques like Radioimmunoassay
and enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay and practical screening techniques for the detection of
many veterinary drug residues. Other related techniques, such as chromatography and mass
spectrometry with isotope labelled internal standards, can be used for confirmatory analysis to
protect public health
V.1.3 Human Health
V.1.3.1 Cancer management
The government plan to expand and improve Sudan’s cancer care capacity by integrating
radiotherapy into a comprehensive cancer control programme to maximize its therapeutic
effectiveness and impact,this would integrate and align cancer prevention, surveillance,early
detection and screening programme,treatment and palliative care activities and investment within
Sudan public health system.
The current facilities of the cancer centres do not meet the demand of the current number of
patients. This lead to the idea of building new centres in Ribat, Marawe, Shandi, Aloebid and the
extension and upgrading of existing centres Radiation & Isotopes centre in Khartoum(RICK) and
for the Algaziera cancer centre to move from 2 Dimension Conformal Radiotherapy (DCRT) to 3
Dimension Conformal Radiotherapy(3DCRT), with complementary facilities. This will be set
up based on the guidelines of the World HealthOrganization (WHO) and IAEA.
The government also intends to address other challenges related to cancer control and cancer
treatment such as Sudan National Cancer Registry which was established in 2009 to develop
registry system in Sudan. We need to upgrade the national cancer registry by establishing a
comprehensive cancer registration in all specialized hospitals in Sudan,this will build a national
data base system to inspect and search for cancer cases through a concrete and solid surveillance
screening programmes to enable early detection of the most common cancers in Sudan.Other
challenges, includes the infrastructure gap and plans to build capacity and long term support for
continuous education and training of cancer treatment and care professionals, as well as
community based civil society action to combat cancer. In this connection, the government
would be seeking support from the IAEA.
It is expected that through IAEA and its partner’s efforts to assist Sudan, the ministry of health,
the cancer centres and other relevant local agencies and institutions would engage fully in a
national cancer control programme,and they would identify the areas needing further assistance
from IAEA initially under the new national and regional projects,and subsequently in the future,
to other multilateral and bilateral agencies designed to respond to multidisciplinary needs in an
efficient manner. The government also might seek assistance in fundraising for these projects.
Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT)
30
Sudan received imPACT mission April 2012 which was successful.The National Strategy for
cancer control was also issued in 2012. Both the repent of imPACTmission and the strategy call
for a holistic approach for cancer control. Sudan participated on September 2012 in the
IDB/IAEA meeting with some African member states, this activity will lead to a national
programme that will tackle the problem in holistic manner.
PACT assistance is required in the form of expert services to draft a project document to be
submitted to a funding institute such as IDB.
V.1.3.2 Using the SIT Technique for Controlling the Malaria Vector
The continuation of investigating the viability of integrating the SIT for mosquitoes at the
national level also builds on the previous project SUD 5032. It is hoped that at the end of the SIT
mosquito project SUD5034, Sudan will have developed a sustainable control technology and the
knowledge to integrate SIT for the Northern State of Sudan.
In the near term, these projects will continue to reach the national goal forcontrolling Malaria.
Now, Sudan has entered the second phase, which focuses on mass rearing, sterilization and areawide releases of sterile males of Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes. Substantial funding has been
provided thus far from both the government and the private sectors. A grant from the IDB has
been approved in 2012 for funding the construction of mass rearing facility, capacity building,
training and field activities in close collaboration with IAEAwas achieved. It is therefore
important that the Agency continues to support these efforts which, if successful, will have a
major positive impact on the development and application of this technology in other areas of
Africa.
V.1.3.3 Isotopes and Nuclear Techniques in Nutrition
In the field of nutrition, new strategy was started to strengthen the capacity of experts in the field
and to conduct research in the area.Our plans are:
(i)
Holding of special sessions (workshops, seminars, etc.) in a particular field at higher
educational establishments
(ii)
Supporting the introduction of new subjects either within an existing curriculum in
nutrition or as a completely new discipline (physics, nuclear analytical techniques,
medical physics, nuclear nutrition, etc.)
(iii) Encouraging research associated with postgraduate training, forMSc programme by thesis
research at the institute of endemic diseases, which will involve training on a nuclear
technique application. The research will be conducted under the supervision of highly
qualified Sudanese lecturers but in collaboration with the relevant Ministry.
V.I.4 Energy
For energy sector, the national project SUD 2004 “developing the strategic plan and the
infrastructure for the introduction of nuclear power”will continue to face the increase in energy
demand, due to the fact thatthe current electricity generation installed capacity is around 2600
Marawe and the demand forecast is expected to increase to 22430 Marawe by 2039.
V.1.5 Water Resources
31
Groundwater represents a vital water supply source of fresh water in large parts of Sudan
specially the areas far away from the river Nile and its tributaries.
Development and various aspects of human activities rely heavily on the availability of sufficient
water of adequate quality. Urbanization, industrial and agricultural activities, organic fertilizers,
pesticides, animal waste pollution, ultimately generates substantial loads of hazardous waste that
need to be properly disposed of, the inefficient liquid and solid waste disposal practices,
enhanced by the large number of household and communal pit latrines, septic tank effluent or
leakage from sewage systems, distributed over the rural areas, pose serious environmental threats
that endanger the quality of the groundwater resources of Sudan.
Some shallow aquifers in Sudan, namely, The White Nile State (Tandalty, El Salam), Darfur
States (wadiNyala, Umm Rawaba Bara) and the Red Sea State (SinkatWadiAdat, and
wadiTawya, Gash) are highly vulnerable to pollution risks due to the high permeability of the
surface sandy soils, and the unsaturated zone, and dependence of aquifers on direct recharge
from rainfall, . The actual amounts of recharge to these aquifers are only speculated and need to
be specified.
Some recent studies and observations have indicated negative impacts on the quality of the
groundwater resources particularly by nitrate which is an increasingly widespread pollutant
resulting from inadequate sewerage treatment, agricultural cultivation, and domestic animals
gathering around water sources.
The national policy for water resources management plan for the near term in collaboration with
the IAEA will focus on the identification of the direct recharge component and protection of
groundwater resources of Sudan shallow aquifers from Pollution Risks.
Isotopic analysis for related elements (11B, 15N, 2H, 18O, 3H and 14C) in rainwater, unsaturated
zone moisture, and groundwater in combination with the chemical and hydrogeological
techniques as a complementary method will contribute in determination of NO3 pollutant source
in groundwater and assessment and minimization of health hazards to local communities and
environmental hazards through protecting shallow groundwater from pollution.
V.1.6 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Infrastructure
In February 2010 a decree of the Minster of Science and Technology established an independent
Regulatory Body under the name “Sudanese Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority
(SNRRA)”, which has a Board of 14 members from most stakeholders including a director of the
Technical Office of the Regulatory Body. This SNRRA replaces the Radiation Protection
Technical Committee (RPTC) established under 1996 Act.
A new Atomic Energy Act is now being drafted to ensure consistency with international safety
standards (Nuclear and Radiological Law, 2013). The new act repeals the present legislations
establishing a single effective independent, regulatory body. The draft of this Act was revised by
the IAEA. The IAEA comments have been considered in the final draft.
Occupational exposure to natural sources need to be addressed as for example exploration and
production of oil introduced exposure to natural radiation sources (NORMs) such as uranium and
thorium series that takes place in many regions.
With regard to medical exposure, all administrative states in the country should be subjected to
the national quality assurance and control programme. Due to the increase in the number of
32
radiotherapy centres there will also be a need to upgrade the SSDL from the present protection
level to therapy level dosimetry.
As Sudan borders seven African countries, a good control mechanism is still needed for many
entry points in order to prevent illicit trafficking of radioactive material. Training of customs and
security officers and suitable detection equipment is addressed for this purpose. In this regard,
IAEA assistance is still required for developing national programmes that will enhance the
capacity to address nuclear security issues.
Professional training will be conducted through the implementation of the M.Sc. programme in
nuclear security proposed by the IAEA. Through IAEA assistance t Sudan will establish a
nuclear security support center.
V.2 The Medium-Term Programme
The plan for the future is to build on previous successes and to expand into self-sustaining
ventures, whilst focusing on health with special emphasis on improving cancer management to
cover the ever-increasing incidence of cancer in the country. Sudan will concentrate on the
agricultural sector to compensate for the loss of oil exports due to South Sudan cessation.
V.2.1 Agriculture
Agriculture research and new technologies will remain a priority area through:
 Increasing high yielding varieties with good quality and market value and tolerance to
plant diseases;
 Nuclear and isotopic techniques to determine crop fertilizer and water requirements,
 Assessment of the contribution of bio-organic fertilizer to nutrition of crops and soil
fertility and identification of proper crop sequence,
 Development of new mutants varieties (banana, wheat, sorghum, millet, corn, groundnut,
onion and tomato),
 Nutrients and organic matter to combat the loss of productivity of farm lands for crop and
livestock production systems, environmental degradation is at the mercy of climatic
conditions and extreme weather events,
 Mutation breeding and SIT for fruit flies and improving horticultural production and
competitiveness.
Capacity building and human resource takes a special emphasis for nuclear application in
agricultural research and development and includes:
 Capacity building in the assessment of resources (phosphate rocks, organic manure, bio
fertilizers and crop residues), as well as fertilizers, rotation and intercropping with
legumes for improving soil fertility and crop productivity.
 Promotion of adoption and dissemination of new mutants with improved technical
packages through demonstration plots and active participation of stakeholders
 Capacity building of the soil labs (plant nutrition, soil microbiology and soil water lab),
tissue culture, crop protection and biotechnology labs to address the work of project
related to soil and water, generate the required improved technical packages of crop
production and improve and sustain soil fertility and water use and introduction of new
varieties.
33
The overall mission of the agricultural development strategy is to transform agriculture in Sudan
from a sector dominated by subsistence production to a modern sector responsive to market
signals and with substantial contributions to poverty reduction and rural development through
increasing productivity, food security, growth, foreign exchange earnings and sustainable
management of natural resources. In this regard, the isotopes nuclear techniques will contribute
to address these goals.
V.2.1.2 Animal Health and Production
To reach the desired level of food security, livestock productivity needs to be increased and
maintained at international standards. In order to increase productivity, it is essential to control
the major epizootic diseases that affect livestock Sudan, namely FMD, CBPP, Brucellosis,
Tuberculosis, Theileriosis and Rift Valley Fever.
Strengthen the diagnostic capacity in national veterinary laboratories with a strong emphasis on
establishment of local production system for antigens, diagnostic reagents and kits and assist in
vaccination through improving the locally produced vaccines and development of new vaccines.
V.2.2 Human Health
V.2.2.1 Introduction of Cancer Teaching Programmes
In order to ensure maximum treatment capacity to cancer patients in the existing and future
radiotherapy centres in Sudan, the government plan to introduce a comprehensive teaching
programme, covering both diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Considerable training (MDs, Masters, and short sandwichprogrammes)has been already started
for radiation oncologist, medical physicists, and radiotherapy radiographers. This help in
bothoptimization in the use of equipment’s provided and the human resources to provide good
services.
The next phase should therefore be to focus on introducing MD training in Nuclear medicine,
inSudan. In this connection the IAEA will:
1. Assist the government of Sudan in undertaking the assessment missions in the institutions with
a view of identifying the necessary trainers, assessing training facilities and advisingon the
necessary input to be provided to training facilities.
2. Provide the necessary expertise to enhance the quality of teaching in radiotherapy with special
emphasis to radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiology.
3. Provide teaching materials including syllabus, developed under AFRA designated treating
centre.
4. Train of trainer
V.2.2.2 Combating Malaria
Assistance will continue to be sought from the Agency in the following areas:
(i) Application of SIT for suppressing the mosquito vector An. arabiensis in the pilot area
(20km2) in the north of Sudan with a view to gain experience and to disseminate the
technology to other areas within Sudan and eventually to other countries of the African
region.
(ii) Methods will be identified for areas with different intensity of transmission and using
suitable molecular techniques to aid the fight against malaria infection with the expected
34
results that the preventive treatment will be recommended for use by the National Malaria
Control Programme, meaning that this methodology will become standard in Sudan.
(iii) Methods will be identified for genetic sexing strain for elimination of females so as to only
release sterile males.
V.2.2.3 Nutrition Programmes
The Ministry of Health is continuing the fight against malnutrition, the aim being to promote
better conditions for women and children and to reduce the prevalence of general malnutrition
and micronutrient deficiencies [iodine and iron] in arid and semi-arid,peri-urban and rural areas.
To achieve this objective, IAEA assistance will be sought to strengthen and expand the use of
isotopic techniques to:
(i) determine body composition and energy expenditure to evaluate the impact of nutritional
programmes and food supplementation programmes on children, pregnant women and
breastfeeding women;
(ii) Measure the micronutrients and energy needs of the target groups [children pregnant women
and persons affected by the AIDS virus and other infectious diseases] with a view to defining a
national food supplementation strategy as a part from regional strategies.
V.2.3 Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security
With regard to the development of the occupational radiation protection and medical exposure
programme, the current individual dosimetry system needs to be upgraded to improve the
efficiency of the service. Complimentary to the individual monitoring service is workplace
monitoring, which has to be enhanced by procuring thermo luminescence (TL) dosimeters for
environmental monitoring in the workplace. Specifically, further assistance will be required from
the Agency in:
(i) Upgrading the programme for radiation protection and safety of workers by acquiring
electronic dosimeters (EPDs).
(ii) Upgrade of the SSDL: The present lab contains an old Co60 source that needs to be
replacedby a newer one and x-ray covered up to 50KV which needs to be replaced by a 300
KV one. The lab needs to be upgraded to tackle therapy level (provision of necessary
equipment).
(iii) Provide diagnostic x-ray users with QC kits to cover all branches of new modalities and
train the users so that they can comply with the protection requirements stated in the
regulations.
(iv) The need for dosimetry in diagnostic radiology is well known as a duty of the medical
physicist at the work place, to establish the expected actual doses delivered by the
diagnostic X ray equipment under their supervision. This is especially relevant for complex
and high risk examinations, including mammography, computed tomography, interventional
radiology and for specialized patient groups, such as paediatrics and pregnant patients.
Agency input is needed to provide necessary equipment and training in clinical diagnostic
radiology dosimetry and aspects of quality assurance and optimization to improve the
measurement and understanding of image quality and the dose delivered to patients
undergoing diagnostic radiology examinations.
35
There is a need for:
(i) Expanding the network of radiation protection and environmental monitoring services to the
whole country and establishing baseline data on levels of radioactivity prior to considering
nuclear programs.
(ii) Tackling waste disposal and associated problems of NORM waste generated from oil
production and other processing.
(iii) Provision of small hot cell in order to facilitate conditioning radioactive wastes generated
from various applications in the country.
(iv) Strengthening infrastructure for food and consumer products monitoring by provision of
equipment to be installed at the main six entry points and upgrade of the central laboratory
in Khartoum (provision of high efficiency HPGe gamma spectrometry systems and
calibration materials).
V.2.4 Energy
Given the fact that Sudan has benefited from previous IAEA assistance which contributed to the
establishment of the NPP program where most of pre-project activities are progressing very well,
and taking into consideration the strong commitment of Sudan government to commission the 1st
Sudan NPP by 2020, Sudan will continue to need further assistance from the agency to address
the issues related to NPP infrastructure.
V.2.5 Development of National Capabilities for Training and Certification for Nondestructive Testing Personnel
Sudan is exploring the TCDC modality to receive certification body services required to
authorize training facilities according to the appropriate ISO standards. Sudan will continue
seeking the support of IAEA in establishing a national capability to perform non-destructive
testing (NDT) and other radioisotopes services in industry with the aim of improving safety
through standardized NDT practices and harmonized certification schemesin Sudan.
Sudan through TCDC Modality will aim to upgrade its training capability in NDT methodology
to act as a regional training center. Sudan has established a modest laboratory and personnel
capability in industrial radiotracer applications;through the previous IAEA assistance, this
support needs to be consolidated.
V.2.6 Research Reactor
The need for a research reactor which will be used as a training tool for nuclear engineering
B.Sc. programme and the national master programme of nuclear security and radiation protection
is very obvious. However due to difficulties in financing project to acquire research reactor,
Sudan will seek benefits from AFRA Agreement in addition to initiatives in this field such as an
Internet Reactor Laboratory (IRL) and other modalities of distant learning and E-learning.
V.2.7 Water Resources
The national policy for water resource in the mid-term isas follows:
36
1. Capacity Building – (Institutions and Human Resources)
Program Objectives:
 Support the improvement and expansion of Ground Water and Wadi laboratory and
upgrading both the skills and existing lab equipment is needed, this will reflect better impact
and well orientation towards end users.On the other hand, it will reduce the cost and time for
transportation of isotopes samples outside the country and all the other complicated
processes related to these issues.
 Supporting ground water and Wadies library section by books and other learning materials,
ICT Centres and liaison with education research institutions for better water resource
management practices, creation of awareness and enhancement of the contribution of nuclear
techniques in Sudan.
 Strengthening institutional capacity and human resources building in the field of isotopes
application techniques in hydrology through cooperation with relevant IAEA projects. More
effort is needed towards building local expertise by supporting fellowships and scientific
visits and enhances exchange of information and training.
2. Recharge Characteristics in Gadarif Basin
Program Objectives:
 To quantify estimates of the ground and surface water resources, and to develop national
strategies for managing these resources.
The Gadarif basin in east of Sudan is one of the big and important groundwater basins in the
country, and it is one of transboundary aquifers with Ethiopia. It is characterizedwith a
complex sedimentary and volcanic terrains. The basin was crossed by networks of rivers
drainage, the west from Ethiopia plateau with good amount of summer rains.Major areas of
conventional rain-fed agriculture are distributed throughout the basin far away from the
rivers. The aquifer is the main source of domestic water supply for Gadarif town and other
surrounding areas.
 Assessment of the sustainable yields and water quality of Gadarif Artesian Aquifer (Ed
Alteen area), by combining isotopic techniques with hydrogeological and geophysical
investigations for appropriate water resource management using flow-rate measurements to
assess flow volumes as well as the dynamics of surface and groundwater for the calibration
and refinement of water-balanced mathematical models. The use of isotope hydrology
techniques could be used to assist in understanding the discharge and analysing the set-up to
ensure sustainability in water supply, behaviour of groundwater systems for long terms and
any remedial action needed.
3. Impact of Ground and Surface Water Interactions in Dongola Areas
Program Objectives:
In Dongola at north Sudan, both groundwater and surface water were used, now scheme has been
expanded and the local authorities have stopped usingground water and depended only on
surface water direct from the River Nile. Now water levels in these areas are above the ground
surface, which negatively affected some farmer’s houses and lagoons everywhere.Drinking and
plant water will be affected by access of water and residuesofpesticides and fertilizers which
bearhealth hazards to community.
To achieve the Government’s socio-economic development goals, create water master plans
and provide the population with access to safe water, it is necessary to understand the relation
37
between aquifer, River Nile and irrigation systems and to studythe accurate river-flow
information for the technical, economic and environmental evaluation.
Based on the experience acquired and the established infrastructure of previous IAEA
assistance, the application of isotopes techniques will concentrate on the assessment of the
recharge and flow regimes of the aquifers systems in Northern state Dongola area as essential
element to overcome land flooding by raising static water level over ground surface. Isotopes
techniques will also assist in developing capacity and establishing policy framework and
legislation to regulate the activities, so as to protect the environment, and the general public
health.
4. Effect of Application of Pesticides and Fertilizers in Ground and Surface water in
Gaziera and Rahad Schemes
Program Objectives:
Gazera scheme is the largest, oldest and most important scheme in the irrigated sub-sector which
lies between the Blue and White Niles. Al Rahad irrigation scheme is located in east of the
Rahad River, a tributary of the Blue Nile.
In Gazera and Rahad schemes, assessment of the impact of fertilizer and pesticide residues in
ground and surface water is a key and critical development problem in the sustainable utilization
and management of the natural resources base (land, water and biodiversity) and protection of
the environment. Isotopic techniques provide unique and quantitative data on nutrient and water
dynamics in the soil plant system and therefore make essential information available for both
the precise utilization of fertilizers and pesticides which will act as constraints and the
assessment of effectiveness of the interventions designed to alleviate them with the ultimate goal
of enhancing sustainable agricultural and livestock productivity which contribute to reducing
poverty, increasing household food security, improving livelihood and human health safety.
V.3 General Support Activities
V.3.1 Nuclear Information and Nuclear Knowledge Management
The International Nuclear Information System (INIS) is the world’s leading information system
on allaspects of peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology. Dissemination of INIS
services will be increased through establishment of INIS offices in the universities and research
centers.
V.3.2 Instrumentation, Repair and Maintenance of Equipment
The establishment of local capabilities in nuclear instrumentation, including maintenance,
calibration, repair, and design/modification of instruments, are key elements in the sustainable
development and promotion of practical applications of nuclear techniques in Sudan.
A national project for upgrading capabilities of repair and maintenance of x-ray machines was
implemented before 2011. This project was estimated as a very successful one. It is required
from the IAEA to support similar national projects .
During the last phase of this document preparation an idea of a national project concept was
proposed for supporting establishment of a national instrument centre to take care of scientific
equipment (management, repair, maintenance, and development ….etc.) in the country.
Accordingly IAEA support in this respect is needed.
38
Most of nuclear projects that are going to be implemented in the coming phase, in different
fields will require capable staff in terms of instrument repair, maintenance, calibration and
development, particularly when instrument development is considered. Therefore, new mind set
has to be adopted by the authorities besides the IAEA support in this regards.
V.3.3 Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is an on-going activity since 1990s. This programme covers the
following arrears:
 Radioactivity mapping including monitoring of NORMs due to oil and mineral
exploration
 Air quality (Radon indoors monitoring)
 Water quality ( Radionuclides)
Agency’s assistance will be needed to support these programmes.
39
ANNEX 1 – List of Resource Institutions
UNITED NATIONS
Field of Activity
Institutions
United Nations Development Assistance United Nation Development Programme (UNDP)
Framework (UNDAF) Programmes
EDUCATION
Field of Activity
Institutions
Human resources capacity building
- Sudan Academy for Sciences
- Sudan University for Science and Technology
AGRICULTURE
Field of Activity
Institutions
Livestock diseases
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, Animal
Resources Research Corporation (Ministry of
Science and Technology)
Agricultural Research Corporation, Ministry of
Agriculture
Improving Crop Productivity
HEALTH
Field of Activity
Institutions
Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine
- Radioisotopes Centre Khartoum (RICK)
Khartoum, Ministry of Health
- Institute for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology,
Gezira University
- Ribat University Hospital, Khartoum, Ministry of
Health
40
Malaria
Tropical Medicine Research Institute, Ministry of
science and Technology
Nutrition
Institute of Endemic Studies, Ministry of Health
WATER RESOURCES
Field of Activity
Institutions
Groundwater and surface water resource Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity
assessment
ENERGY
Field of Activity
Sustainable Energy Development and
energy planning
Nuclear Power Planning for electricity
generation
Institutions
Ministry of Petroleum, General Directorate for Energy
Affairs
- Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity
- Sudan Atomic Energy Commission
41
ANNEX 2 — Resource Estimates and Forecasts
Country Programme 2014 – 2018
US$
1.
2.
Historical reference figure from past approved national programmes (2007-2009)
941,480.46
Historical reference figure from past approved national programmes(2009 - 2011)
582,842.78
Historical reference figure from past approved national programmes(2011 - 2013)
601,268.00
Estimated government cash contribution1 for the planning period
100,000
Estimated government in-kind contribution2 for the planning period
8,000,000
Total estimated resources
10,225,591.24
Preliminary estimates for the agreed programme/projects reflected in the CPF
Title
1
The indicative government cash contribution does not commit the government to the stated
amount, but indicates the intent and likelihood of such support.
2
In-kind contributions represent the value assigned to non-cash contributions such as
providing experts, training courses, and infrastructure. Planning for in-kind contribution can
also include bilateral trade and intergovernmental cooperation agreements in the respective
programme area.
42
(1) SUD2004Developing the Strategic Plan and the Infrastructure for the
Introduction of Nuclear Power
78,926.00
(2) SUD5033Enhancing Productivity of Major Food Crops (Sorghum, Wheat,
Groundnut and Tomato) under Stress Environment Using Nuclear Techniques and
Related Biotechnologies to Ensure Sustainable Food Security and Well-Being of
Farmers
88,504.00
(3) SUD5034Supporting a Feasibility Study on the Suitability of the Sterile Insect
Technique As a Strategy for the Integrated Control of Anopheles Arabiensis
(4) SUD2012002 Improving Livestock Production for Enhanced Food Security
Through Genetic Improvement of Indigenous Animal Breeds Using Artificial
Insemination, Improved Nutrition and Adequate Animal Disease Control Measures.
(5) SUD2012003 Improving Cancer Management in Sudan
3.
4.
265,032.00
208,600.00
115,200.00
(6) SUD2012004 Identification of the Direct Recharge Component, and Protection
for Groundwater Resources of Sudan Shallow Aquifers from Pollution Risks
70,400
Total estimated costs
826,662
Total estimated resource (1) less total estimated costs (2)
9,398,929.24
Estimated resource requirements: SUD2004, SUD5034, SUD5033
432,462
43
ANNEX 3 – Multilateral Agreements – Sudan
Title
P&I
VC
VC/OP
CPPNM
Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the IAEA
Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage
Optional Protocol Concerning the Compulsory Settlement of Disputes
Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material
CPPNM
E
NOT
Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear
Material
Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident
ASSIST
Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or
Radiological Emergency
Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention
and the Paris Convention
Convention on Nuclear Safety
JP
NS
RADW
PVC
SUPP
RSA
RCA
AFRA
ARCAL
ARASI
A
Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the
Safety of Radioactive Waste Management
Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for
Nuclear Damage
Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage
Revised Supplementary Agreement Concerning the Provision of
Technical Assistance by the IAEA (RSA)
Third Agreement to Extend the 1987 Regional Co-operative
Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to
Nuclear Science and Technology (RCA)
African Regional Co-operative Agreement for Research, Development
and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) Third Extension
Co-operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and
Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL)
Co-operative Agreement for Arab States in Asia for Research,
Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology
(ARASIA)
In Force
2000-06-17
Status
Non-Party
Non-Party
Non-Party
accession:
2000-05-18
Non-Party
Signature:
1986-09-26
Signature:
1986-09-26
Non-Party
Signature:
1994-09-20
Non-Party
Non-Party
1989-02-23
2006-06-14
Non-Party
Signature:
1989-02-23
Non-Party
acceptance:
2006-06-14
Non-Party
Non-Party
Safeguards Agreements
44
Reg.No
1231
Title
In Force
Application of safeguards in connection with the Treaty on Non- 1977-01-07
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (with Protocol)
Status
Signature:
1975-02-26
CPF Focal Points
No
Name
1.
Institute
6.
Dr.
Mohamed
Siddig Sudan NLO, Sudan Atomic Energy Commission
Mohamed Abdalla
Afra Ahmed Hamed
CPF coordinator, TC, Sudan Atomic Energy Commission
Prof. Ibtisam Goraish
Animal Resources Research Corporation (Ministry of
Science and Technology)
Dr. Mohamed Adlan
Agricultural Research Corporation, Ministry of
Agriculture
Dr. Ahmed Omer
Radioisotopes Centre Khartoum (RICK) Khartoum,
Ministry of Health
Ahmed Satti
Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity
7.
Dr. Siddig Talha
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ministry of Water Resource and Electricity
45