Staff Reporter
The FirstRand Namibia Foundation has donated N$1.3 million to the Palliative Care Fund of Namibia, which aims to ensure that eligible state cancer patients receive dedicated care at specialised facilities.
“This Fund complements our government health services. It ensures that eligible state cancer patients have dedicated support at specialised facilities like House Zietsman here in Windhoek and House Johannesson in Swakopmund,” Dr Theo-Ben Kandetu, Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, said at the handover ceremony for the donation to the Palliative Care Fund of Namibia.
He emphasised that palliative care is not limited to cancer treatment or terminal illnesses but extends across clinical disciplines to provide symptom relief, pain management and holistic psychosocial support to patients and their families.
“It is about dignity. Yet, despite its profound impact, it is a field of healthcare that has been neglected for far too long,” Kandetu said.
He noted that more than 85% of Namibia’s population depends on health services provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which operates more than 460 public health facilities nationwide, including clinics, health centres, district hospitals and referral hospitals.
Kandetu said limited resources made collaboration with stakeholders and private-sector partners essential to ensuring that Namibians receive timely, quality healthcare.
“However, the reality of finite resources means we cannot walk this path alone. We rely on the strength of our stakeholders and partners, embracing a true whole-of-society approach to ensure that every Namibian receives the timely, quality care they deserve. The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) stands as a shining example of this partnership in action,” Kandetu said.
He thanked the FirstRand Namibia Foundation for its contribution and called on other private-sector organisations to provide similar support.
“We applaud you for stepping up and making this lifeline a reality. Let this historic donation serve as a catalyst. Today, I am issuing a bold call to action to the rest of the private sector and corporate Namibia. Look at the standard set here this morning. The Palliative Care Fund requires continuous, sustainable support to reach every patient in need. We challenge you to emulate this generosity. Step forward, invest in human dignity, and partner with us to ensure that no Namibian faces serious illness without comfort and care,” Kandetu added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: Cancer Association of Namibia
