Niël Terblanché
The Office of the President has announced that President Hage Geingob has traveled to the United States of America to undergo a groundbreaking new cancer therapy.
According to the Press Secretary of the Presidency, Alfredo Hengari, President Geingob has accepted a medical offer from leading scientists and medical professionals in Los Angeles, California, to undergo this specialized cancer therapy.
In a statement issued late on Wednesday afternoon, Hengari assured the public that the travel, medical, and accommodation expenses of the President would not be covered by the Namibian Government.
He stressed that 95 percent of the President’s cancer treatment would be carried out in Namibia and that his stay in the United States of America would be limited to seven days. President Geingob is accompanied by his medical team.
The press secretary also disclosed that the crucial medical technology used for the President’s treatment would be transferred to Namibia. This transfer would result in the necessary exchange of advanced medical skills, which will be utilized for the treatment of other patients diagnosed with cancer in Namibia.
“To undergo this novel treatment, President Geingob will take a short medical leave of absence from his duties as Head of State, starting today and lasting until February 2, 2024. During this period, the Vice President of Namibia, Nangolo Mumba, will serve as Acting President,” Hengari announced.
Meanwhile, the ruling Swapo Party has expressed its concern for President Hage Geingob’s health, reassuring the public that he is in good spirits and receiving excellent medical care.
The Vice President of Swapo, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, stated that President Geingob would continue to oversee party and government affairs while prioritizing his medical treatment. Nandi-Ndaitwah also extended gratitude for the widespread well-wishes and support for President Geingob’s swift and full recovery.
She stressed Geingob’s consistent commitment to trust, transparency, and accountability in his leadership roles.
Nandi-Ndaitwah appealed to the public to respect the President’s and his family’s privacy, allowing them space to focus on his recovery without undue speculation.
President Geingob’s cancer diagnosis came after routine medical check-ups and a subsequent biopsy.
These medical procedures followed a colonoscopy and gastroscopy that the President underwent at the beginning of January.
Despite these health challenges, President Geingob has chosen to continue fulfilling his presidential responsibilities, aligning with his longstanding commitment to public office, effective governance, and a policy of transparency and accountability, particularly regarding his health.
Hengari also gave the assurance that President Geingob is in good spirits and will continue to carry out his duties as Head of State.
The 82-year-old Geingob has a history of overcoming serious health issues, having previously disclosed his survival of prostate cancer during his tenure as Prime Minister.
After news of his latest diagnosis spread around the world, President Geingob expressed his gratitude to Namibians and friends from all over for their messages of support, prayers, and best wishes.
