How to donate your body – Unam

A Total of 11 Namibians have responded to the University of Namibia’s call to donate their bodies to assist in the training of student doctors at the Unam School of Medicine.

University of Namibia (UNAM) spokesperson Simon Namesho (SN) says the institution has seen a notable increase in public interest in body donations since receiving its first Namibian cadaver in 2024.

He spoke to Desert FM (DFM) yesterday, explaining cadaver-based learning in detail:

DFM: What is the current demand for cadavers at the School of Medicine, and how critical is this resource?
SN: The Anatomy Unit currently receives only half of the cadaver donations required to optimally support student learning. Ideally, 10 donations would allow for small group interaction, eight students per station, for effective engagement.

Despite this constraint, our educators have adapted teaching methodologies to maximise understanding and uphold academic excellence.
Cadaver-based learning is essential to health sciences training.

Anatomy is one of the foundational subjects in a medical student’s journey.

Donated bodies serve as the first ‘patients’ students encounter, providing a tangible understanding of human structures that textbooks and digital models cannot fully replicate.

DFM: Can you describe how a donated body is used in the curriculum?
SN: A donated body is studied in-depth over two academic years, during which students examine the human body’s systems.

The curriculum is system-based, allowing students to learn about the urogenital system, the musculoskeletal system, the gastrointestinal system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system.

Each semester covers specific systems, and students are guided through detailed dissections and observations.

DFM: How does the scarcity of cadavers affect the quality and scope of medical training at Unam?
SN: While the scarcity of cadavers does not compromise our commitment to quality education, it does affect the amount of time each student can engage directly with the specimens. The limited number of permanently retained teaching specimens means practical exposure is shared among many.

An increase in donations would significantly enhance hands-on learning, allowing students more time to explore and internalise anatomical structures.

DFM: What difference does it make to have Namibian cadavers, as opposed to those from South Africa or elsewhere?
SN: Utilising Namibian donations supports local medical education – both symbolically and practically. Importing loaned cadavers, especially from South Africa, are not only expensive due to transport and embalming costs, but also involve time-consuming legal and logistical arrangements.
Local donations reduce these barriers and deepen the sense of national contribution to developing Namibian healthcare professionals.

DFM: Is there a specific protocol or ceremony the university observes to honour these donors, especially given cultural sensitivities?
SN: Yes, each semester begins with a ‘Rose Ceremony’ to honour our donors. During this solemn occasion, a religious leader offers a prayer of gratitude, and students place a rose on the body, recognising it as their first patient.

The ceremony is followed by a session on the ethical and respectful handling of human remains.
This ritual reinforces the dignity and humanity of each donation.

DFM: Have there been any changes in public attitudes toward body donation since the first Namibian donor came forward last year?
SN: Indeed. Since receiving our first Namibian donor in 2024, we have observed growing interest. To date, 11 individuals have formally pledged to donate their bodies posthumously.

The increased public engagement, especially following media broadcasts, suggests that awareness and openness are improving.
The act of body donation is gaining recognition as a noble and transformative contribution to medical education – yet more is needed today.

DFM: Are specific communities or regions more or less open to body donation?
SN: At this time, this cannot be said with certainty. Perhaps as the potential donor list increases.

DFM: Has the university considered public outreach or education programmes to help destigmatise this topic?
SN: Yes, over the years, the Anatomy Unit has engaged in various outreach efforts. Recent initiatives, in 2024 and 2025, have generated meaningful dialogue and public interest.

Given this momentum, we see strong merit in institutionalising an annual body donation awareness campaign to maintain visibility, address misconceptions, and encourage broader community participation.

DFM: Please walk us through the steps to become a donor.
SN: Becoming a body donor involves the following steps: 1. Download the Body Donation Form from the Unam website or request it via email from Dr Anneli Poolman at apoolman@unam.na.

2. Read and complete the form once comfortable with the decision.
3. Attach a signed copy of the form to your last will and testament.
4. Discuss your intention with your next of kin and family members.
5. Return the signed form via email to the address above.
   This act of generosity leaves a lasting legacy by helping train future generations of Namibian health professionals.