Annually worldwide, more than 3,600 million diagnostic radiology examinations are performed, 37 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out, and 7.5 million radiotherapy treatments are given worldwide (UNSCEAR, 2008).

Every-day applications of ionizing radiation for diagnosis and treatment help millions of patients worldwide.The use of radiation in medicine enables earlier diagnosis and often offers less invasive treatments of human diseases. Advanced radiation technology has opened new horizons in diagnostic and interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy.

While the development of modern health technology makes new applications safer, their inappropriate use may result in unnecessary and preventable radiation risks, particularly in children. A balanced approach is needed that recognizes the multiple health benefits that can be obtained, while assuring that risks are minimized.

WHO is conducting a Global Initiative on Radiation Safety in Health Care Settings to mobilize the health sector towards safe and effective use of radiation in medicine. By integrating radiation protection into the concepts of good medical practice and health care service quality, this initiative provides a platform for collaboration between health authorities, radiation protection regulators, international agencies, professional societies, patient networks, scientific bodies, academic institutions and other stakeholders to improve the implementation of radiation safety standards in healthcare settings.

1. Risk assessment

• Assessing population dose distribution due to the use of radiation in health care (collaboration with UNSCEAR).
• Shaping a global research agenda for radiation protection in medicine (prioritizing paediatric health care).

2. Risk management

• Reducing unnecessary radiation exposures (justification of medical examinations and optimization of protection).
• Promoting occupational radiation protection in health care settings.
• Preventing accidental and unintended exposures, strengthening radiation safety culture and promoting reporting and learning systems.
• Addressing health workforce needs in the field of medical use of radiation.
• Fostering cooperation between health authorities and radiation protection regulatory bodies.

3. Risk communication

• Developing a communication strategy and providing tools to support benefit-risk dialogue (for health care providers, patients and caregivers).