The country is facing a growing cancer emergency, as new diagnoses increase by a concerning 12% annually, creating significant pressure on the national healthcare system, noted Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare on Thursday.

Ngurare made these remarks during the launch in Tsumeb of the Cancer Awareness, Testing, and Palliative Care Initiative, an effort that stands as a symbol of optimism.

As stated by Ngurare, the nation is currently identifying around 4,000 new cancer cases each year. This quickly increasing number underscores a significant public health issue that impacts every segment of the population.

"Among men, prostate cancer is still the most common, quietly impacting many lives, while breast and cervical cancers continue to affect women significantly, often leading to severe outcomes. In addition, we face cancers linked to infections, like cervical and liver cancer, as well as those related to lifestyle choices, all of which create a heavy burden on our struggling healthcare system," he stated.

Ngurare mentioned that for this year, projections suggest more than 25,800 people will be affected by cancer – including those who are newly diagnosed, receiving challenging treatment, or dealing with its lasting consequences.

"This incredible number is more than just a dry figure; it serves as a powerful reminder of the significant human impact," he stated, emphasizing that the government remains firm in its dedication to public well-being.

Ngurare mentioned that the Ministry of Health and Social Services received a significant sum of N$12,268,372,000, placing it as the second-highest funding, following education.

"This distribution is more than just a figure; it represents a strong commitment to healthcare as a basic right and a crucial element of our country's development plan," he added.

He mentioned that as part of the government's overall dedication to attaining Universal Health Coverage, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has achieved considerable progress in decentralizing access to vital health services throughout our large country.

"Our initiatives have resulted in, as reported by the Namibia Statistics Agency, about 87% of our population residing within 10 kilometers of a medical center. This is a strong indication of our dedicated efforts to make healthcare more accessible to our citizens," he stated.

At present, cancer treatment within the public health system is mainly concentrated, creating a heavy burden on Windhoek Central Hospital, which serves as the country's main referral hospital.

This is a challenge that, as a government, we are committed to reducing, he remarked.

"To tackle this crucial issue and enhance our healthcare system's capabilities, I am pleased to emphasize a major initiative undertaken in 2024. The Cabinet of the Republic of Namibia approved a detailed N$16.1 billion strategy aimed at improving Namibia's public health system. This extensive, long-term plan seeks to significantly strengthen our health infrastructure, enhance our healthcare workforce, guarantee the availability of essential medical equipment and medicines, and support the purchase of ambulances throughout Namibia," he stated.

A crucial and innovative part of the strategy involves setting up essential radiotherapy units at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in Northern Namibia, along with the ongoing growth of cancer treatment services at Windhoek Central.

This strategic initiative seeks to reduce the significant financial and emotional pressures faced by rural patients who now have to make difficult trips to the capital for medical care, he stated. He added that in the fight against cancer and to enhance the healthcare system, the idea of Palliative Care serves as a crucial foundation.

"This Cancer Awareness, Screening, and Supportive Care Program, led by Hope Home-Based Health Care in outstanding partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, is a remarkable demonstration of what we can accomplish when we combine our abilities and assets," he stated.

This effort aims to carry out essential cancer awareness and screening programs in and near Tsumeb. It involves skilled personnel, such as four nurses and a general physician from Hope Home-Based Health Care, along with two dedicated nurses from the Tsumeb District Hospital.

"I call on every person in this community, and all citizens of Namibia, to support this program. Get checked, prompt your family and friends to get tested, and discuss cancer and palliative care openly," he stated.