The Cancer Association of Namibia will complete its first specialised palliative care centre for cancer patients in December, and begin accepting and treating patients in January 2024.
The centre will supplement the Cancer Association of Namibia’s (CAN’s) existing support activities for cancer patients across the country, and it is focused on integrating with existing medical treatment programmes of both public and private cancer care.
In an interview with Nampa on Sunday, CAN CEO Rolf Hansen said the renovations on the care centre in Windhoek are progressing well.
The CAN, the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa have collaborated to establish the centre, which will give much-needed support and knowledge to empower Namibia’s healthcare system and improve the quality of life for patients.
“As the second month of renovations and construction begins, excitement among the team working relentlessly to bring this vision to reality is evident,” he said.
According to Hansen, the centre will provide a full spectrum of palliative care treatments, including pain management, psychological support and spiritual care. It will serve as a hub for teaching and training, ensuring that Namibian healthcare professionals have the information and skills needed to offer compassionate end-of-life care, he said. This collaboration between Namibia and South Africa, he said, exemplifies the power of collaboration in reforming healthcare systems and added that both countries can work together to overcome the particular problems of providing palliative care in Namibia by pooling resources and knowledge.
He said the establishment of this centre will further help raise awareness about the importance of palliative care in enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with life-limiting illnesses.
“There is a great sense of urgency and determination in seeing this ground-breaking project through to completion. Every day brings us closer to a future, where all Namibians can access the care and support they deserve during their most vulnerable moments,” said Hansen.
– Nampa