Niël Terblanché
Namibia is implementing the National Cancer Control Plan to reduce cancer mortality and improve the quality of cancer care.
This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, addresses the challenge of cancer, which affects thousands of Namibians each year.
At a technical meeting on Monday, the executive director of the health ministry, Ben Nangombe stressed the comprehensive nature of the plan.
“Cancer is not just a disease; it is a complex, multifaceted challenge that affects millions of people around the world,” In Namibia, it affects thousands, causing morbidity and mortality. It undermines health and well-being and ravages the lives of both young and old. It is thus a challenge that demands our collective attention, collective action, pooled resources, and unified resolve,” he said.
According to Nangombe, the National Cancer Control Plan aims to guide Namibia’s efforts in fighting cancer through a holistic approach covering prevention, early detection, treatment, patient referral systems, patient registries, and palliative care.
“The plan is designed to be a roadmap for action, aiming to reduce cancer incidence and mortality while improving the quality of life for those affected,” he added.
Cancer rates in Namibia have risen by an average of 12% in recent years, with breast and cervical cancers being the most common.
Nangombe said that statistics from the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) show that Namibia recorded 2 200 cancer cases and 1 283 deaths in 2020, accounting for 19.6% of non-communicable disease deaths in the country.
The number of cancer cases detected annually has now increased to 3 000, with breast cancer having an incidence rate of 14.5%, sarcoma at 12.6%, and cervical cancer at a rate of 10.7%.
According to Nangombe, the health ministry has identified cancer prevention and treatment as a priority, rolling out interventions both in terms of policy and practice.
He said that one significant policy development is the introduction of the vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, with the Namibia Cervical Cancer Strategic Plan 2023-2030 aiming to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030.
“This plan includes transitioning from Visual Inspection of the Cervix using Acetic Acid (VIA) to HPV DNA testing as the primary screening test for cervical cancer,” he added.
Namibia will gradually transition to HPV DNA testing, a high-performance screening test targeting the general population of women aged 30 and women aged 25 living with HIV.
“Our goal is to achieve 70% screening coverage by 2030, in line with the global target,” he said.
The ministry is also focusing on strengthening referral systems and linkages for clients who screen positive, ensuring seamless transitions between different levels of care.
“This includes maximising the use of community health care workers for tracing and considering the provision of transport for clients transferred from lower- to higher-level facilities,” he said.
Nangombe also pointed to the critical need for collaboration and partnerships in the fight against cancer, involving different sectors and stakeholders, including healthcare providers, research institutions, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, international partners, and every citizen.
“Collaboration needs to be more than just a word. It must be the principle that guides our actions,” he said.
Nangombe called on the nation to join hands in this endeavour.
Namibia’s commitment to addressing cancer forms part of its broader Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Strategy launched in 2018.
According to Nangombe, effective cancer control will reduce the burden on the healthcare system and improve overall health outcomes for all Namibians.
“Let us revive our commitment to the National Cancer Control Plan in a multi-sectoral approach and work together to ensure that no one is left behind in our fight against cancer. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can build a healthier, cancer-free Namibia,” he said.
