Rolf HansenisChief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia
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“Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia, Rolf Hansen, said the establishment of the Erongo centre marks the beginning of a shift in how end-of-life care is approached in Namibia.”
Rolf Hansensaysspecialist cancer services remain largely centralised, forcing patients to travel long distances to Windhoek
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“In a statement issued yesterday to mark World Cancer Day, CAN spokesperson Rolf Hansen says specialist cancer services remain largely centralised, forcing patients to travel long distances to Windhoek for screening.”
Rolf Hansensaidassisting vulnerable patients is central to organisations' mission
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“CAN and PCN chief executive Rolf Hansen said assisting vulnerable patients is central to the organisations' mission, noting that many Namibians cannot afford private healthcare.”
Rolf HansensaidHouse Zietsman can now support ad hoc paediatric oncology cases after first year
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“"After our first year of operations, House Zietsman care facility is now able to navigate its finances to support ad hoc paediatric oncology cases," Hansen said.”
Rolf Hansensays July is recognised asSarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month
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“"July is recognised as Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Month. The awareness month aims to improve public knowledge about these cancers, support research efforts and advocate better resources and treatments for those affected by this diagnosis," Hansen says.”
A 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.
Why it matters
Petition for ||Khomani chief's removal over alleged financial mismanagement raises traditional authority accountability questions.
A 29-page petition calling for the removal of ||Khomani Traditional Authority chief Julienne Gawanas has been submitted to the urban and rural development minister under the Traditional Authorities Act. The petition, backed by members of the ||Khomani and ǂNūkhoen communities, alleges financial mismanagement including claims that Gawanas cannot account for N$80,000 withdrawn from the Traditional Authority's trust fund and that consent was forged relating to financial signatory authority.
The Walvis Bay Oncology Centre opened at Walvis Bay District Hospital, allowing cancer patients in Erongo to receive treatment closer to home rather than travelling to Windhoek. The facility was funded primarily by Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine and is part of efforts to decentralise cancer care services across Namibia.
The Cancer Association of Namibia has opened a 10-bed palliative care facility in Swakopmund to serve cancer patients in the Erongo region, providing pain management, wound care and psychosocial support without requiring costly trips to Windhoek. The centre was established with support from donors and corporate partners including Langer Heinrich Uranium mine, which contributed over N$2 million.
Namibian health officials say the human papillomavirus vaccine, introduced in August 2025 and now part of routine immunisation, is safe and effective at preventing cervical cancer, dismissing misinformation circulating among parents about claims that it causes sterility or targets Africans. Officials note that cervical cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in Namibia and can be prevented through vaccination and screening.
The Cancer Association of Namibia says geographical distance and financial hardship delay cancer diagnosis and treatment for rural patients, as specialist services remain centralised in Windhoek. The association is opening new oncology and palliative care centres in Walvis Bay and Swakopmund to improve access.
The Cancer Association of Namibia has admitted its first pro bono patient at House Zietsman care facility in Windhoek, a paediatric oncology case who was previously in the public health system. The organisation said it will consider further admissions of state paediatric oncology patients subject to specialist consultation and bed availability, though free care for adult patients remains financially unviable for now.