40 years since the Chernobyl nuclear accident

April 26 is the International Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl accident. Today marks 40 years. On this day, people all over the world recall Chernobyl, a sacrifice of those who without sparing their lives and health stopped the radiation disaster and prevented a larger disaster.

The proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly of April 26 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl accident. is an important contribution to preserving the memory of the terrible tragedy and fearless feats.

As a result of explosions at Unit 4, the reactor was completely destroyed. The accident was accompanied by fires and releases of radioactive substances. The radioactive cloud passed over the USSR, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and affected more than 20 countries. The contamination of the territory of Belarus amounted to 23 per cent of the total area. About 35 per cent of the Chernobyl fallout of caesium-137, the main radionuclide that forms the radiation dose to the population, fell on the territory of Belarus.

A significant progress has been made from urgent protective measures and rehabilitation of the affected territories to the implementation of measures for their revival.

One of the most important tasks is to improve the effectiveness of medical care for those involved in the cleanup efforts, especially children living in contaminated areas. Approximately 90,000 people, including 80,000 children, receive free spa and resort treatment and recuperation annually.

For four decades, Belarus has gradually restored life in the affected areas, traversing a complex path from the liquidation of the emergency to the revival and sustainable socio-economic development of the affected regions.

During this period, six state programs were implemented, funding for which constituted a significant portion of the country's budget. Overcoming the consequences of the Chernobyl accident has become a matter of national importance. The livelihoods of the population in the affected areas are constantly under the attention of the legislative and executive branches, as well as the President of the Republic of Belarus. The area of cesium-137 contamination in Belarus has decreased by 1.8 times.

Forty years have passed since the Chernobyl accident. Events aimed at preserving the memory and cultural heritage of Chernobyl are necessary as a tribute to the courage and heroism of those who perished, and as a warning to future generations.

The memory of the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident must be preserved forever as an invaluable lesson and a warning to future generations. It is important that the Chernobyl tragedy be remembered not only by the citizens of the countries that bore the brunt of the accident, but also by the entire international community.

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