Bank Windhoek's Cancer Apple Project has raised a record N$ 4 million this year to support children affected by cancer, marking the biggest amount ever raised through the initiative.

MTC emerged as the biggest donour, contributing N$ 400,000 towards the fundraiser.

The Executive Officer for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Bank Windhoek Jacquiline Pack said paediatric cancer cases are on the rise.

“Research conducted also indicates that the Windhoek Central Hospital has almost 60% of paediatric cancer cases that are recorded between 2011 and 2020 that are of children between birth and five years old. So let's think about that; that is really at the time when children are beginning to form their earliest memories, but these years are being shaped by hospitals and treatments and uncertainties.”

She emphasised that hope matters, especially when cancer feels distant, and encouraged people to support initiatives like the Cancer Apple Project.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia, Rolf Hansen, says all efforts are designed around making the children's journey bearable after a cancer diagnosis.

“A large portion of the funds from the Apple Project this year will go towards raising awareness and providing education, as well as supporting our CHICA programme. We have all these little children who come through to Windhoek Central Hospital. When you walk into the ward, the shocking and sad reality is that there are so many more little Angolan children because there are no paediatric oncology services available in Angola.”

He said Namibians created more awareness and are speaking more openly about the disease, stressing that education is the strongest weapon.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services representative, Deputy Executive Director, Theo-Ben Kandetu explained that the project has demonstrated the importance of solidarity and partnerships in the fight against cancer.

“Let this also be a call to others to join this crusade so that one day we will be able to reach a milestone where cancer is a thing of the past.”

Dr Kandetu said the ministry has various services available to educate the public about cancer and encouraged