Namibia recorded an estimated 4 205 new cancer cases and more than 2 000 cancer deaths in 2024, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
Deputy health minister Hambelelela Suzan Ndjaleka, speaking on behalf of health minister Esperance Luvindao at a World Hospice and Palliative Care Day event in Windhoek on Friday said the figures highlighted the need for compassionate care for patients with serious illnesses.
“Pain relief is not a luxury, it is a fundamental human right,” Ndjaleka said.
The figures were drawn from 2024 estimates by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Namibian women, followed by cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer accounted for 18.3% of all cancers among women and remained a leading cause of cancer mortality.
The ministry also identified prostate cancer, Kaposi sarcoma and colorectal cancer as placing significant pressure on the country’s health system.
Ndjaleka said palliative care was essential, particularly for patients whose conditions had advanced despite prevention and early detection efforts.
The ministry said it has introduced human papillomavirus vaccinations and strengthened cervical cancer screening.
“This is where palliative care steps in. It is how we ensure every patient, regardless of their prognosis, lives with dignity, comfort, and freedom from pain,” Ndjaleka said.
The ministry says it plans to launch the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and the National Cervical Cancer Guidelines 2025.
Ndjaleka said the ministry was committed to expanding cancer screening, upgrading treatment and referral systems, and integrating nutritional and psychological support into home-based care.
She highlighted Hope Home-Based Healthcare at Tsumeb in the Oshikoto region, which has provided home-based support, mobile clinic services and cancer awareness since 2016.
She also recognised the Cancer Association of Namibia’s role in patient advocacy, awareness campaigns and supportive care.
“No one should suffer in silence. No one should face the end of life without dignity,” she said.
