THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE IN HEMATO-ONCOLOGY IN YEMEN: CURRENT DEFICITS AND A CALL FOR STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Prof. Dr. Gamal Abdul Hamid*

ABSTRACT

Nuclear Medicine (NM) is a cornerstone in the modern management of hematologic malignancies, providing essential diagnostic, prognostic, and emerging therapeutic capabilities. This review outlines the established global role of techniques like FDG-PET/CT and the promising paradigm of theranostics. However, it specifically contextualizes this knowledge within the critical healthcare challenges of Yemen, where a complete absence of NM services forces patients into costly and life-threatening medical travel. The resulting delays in diagnosis, staging, and response assessment directly contribute to poorer outcomes and increased mortality. This article synthesizes the clinical evidence for NM's impact and uses it to frame an urgent call to action. We propose a phased, collaborative strategy involving the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population, the Atomic Energy Commission, and international partners like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop sustainable NM infrastructure. The goal is to translate global advancements into tangible, life-saving solutions for Yemeni patients, moving from a state of critical deficit toward integrated, precise hemato-oncologic care.

Keywords: Nuclear Medicine, Hemato-Oncology, Yemen, PET/CT, Theranostics, Healthcare Access, Medical Travel, Resource-Limited Settings.