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Investing in the people

Mariselle Stofberg

“A new decade signals a time for reflection and focus on new opportunities that lie untapped before us. A decade passed teaches of victories, challenges, mistakes made and corrections to those mistakes that make us stronger and better in what we do,” says the chief executive officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), Rolf Hansen.

Hansen addressed some of their stakeholders and the media at a briefing in Windhoek on Wednesday.

During the previous decade CAN was able to assist 28 038 newly diagnosed cancer patients and their families. Hansen emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of those individuals who support patients through their diagnosis and treatment and assist them in their journey.

“Greater investment in workforce training and delivery models throughout the country is needed urgently to achieve lasting change and deliver on the promise of universal health coverage,” Hansen said.

He called for more accountability within the healthcare sector to ensure that no one is left behind and every person has the opportunity to receive quality healthcare.

“We need to change the will of the politicians for them to also understand. In 2020 we are going to push for that accountability within the healthcare sector that is still lacking in our country,” he said.

The association further discussed some of its projects lined up for this year. These will include the well-known Spray-athon, Cancer Walk and Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

Hansen also mentioned that Namibia will host the African Cancer Registry Network Meeting from 16 to 20 March. This year the focus will be on Southern Africa, and to extensively focus on the political, economic, social and medical challenges that these countries face and what can be done to address them and to become more sustainable.

“Members of the corporate community can become a part of this conference, whether it is with branding, sponsoring or coming on board to pull off this amazing event,” Hansen added.

The Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.

“We are in the planning phases for this 20th anniversary of the project and we want to make sure that this year will be impactful and be one to remember,” said Bronwyn Moody, the head of corporate social investment, sponsorship and events at Bank Windhoek.