Bank Windhoek’s Cancer Apple Project has raised a record N$4 million this year for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), bringing the initiative’s total contributions since its launch in 2000 to N$42.4 million.
The funds were handed over to CAN on Tuesday in Windhoek and will be used towards cancer awareness, screening, outreach and support for patients and their families.
The annual fundraising campaign is now in its 26th year and has become one of Namibia’s longest-running cancer fundraising initiatives.
CAN chief executive Rolf Hansen says the contribution comes as cancer continues to place pressure on the country’s health system and families.
“Cancer is no longer a distant or future challenge for Namibia; it is one of our most pressing public health priorities,” Hansen says.
He says the funds would help the association strengthen awareness programmes, encourage earlier detection and provide support to families affected by the disease.
Namibia is estimated to record 4 205 new cancer diagnoses annually, with breast, cervical and prostate cancer among the most commonly detected cancers.
Children are also affected, with data from the Namibia National Cancer Registry indicating that about 136 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer in Namibia each year.
Common childhood cancers include leukaemia, kidney tumours and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hansen says the funding would, therefore, contribute to efforts aimed at improving early recognition and diagnosis, as well as providing continued support to patients and their families.
Bank Windhoek managing director James Chapman says the campaign’s fundraising record demonstrated the role that collective contributions can play in supporting cancer services.
“The Cancer Apple Project is a powerful expression of what effective corporate social responsibility should be,” Chapman says.
He says the project brings together businesses, government, civil society, schools, communities and individuals to raise funds for cancer-related programmes.
The campaign allows members of the public to contribute by buying apples, apple juice and virtual apples, as well as through digital platforms such as the Bank Windhoek mobile application.
Chapman says the money raised represented more than a financial contribution.
“Behind every number is a human story,” he says.
“Whether it is an adult facing a new diagnosis or a child whose family must travel for specialised care, this contribution is about more than a financial handover.”
The initiative’s latest contribution comes as cancer remains a significant health challenge in Namibia, with CAN continuing to focus on prevention, screening, awareness and support for people living with the disease.
The project was supported this year by several organisations, including Mobile Telecommunications Limited, Namibian Fresh Produce Market, NamPost Courier, FP du Toit Transport, Solitaire Press, SuperSpar Maerua, Jaylo Productions, Channel 7 and Radio Kosmos.
