Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has launched the Cancer Awareness and Palliative Care Advocacy project in Tsumeb, an initiative under Hope Home-Based Health Care aimed at promoting early detection, awareness, and improved access to care for cancer patients across Namibia.

Namibia currently records about 4,000 new cancer cases each year.

The initiative seeks to address this growing concern by taking information, testing, and providing palliative services directly to communities.

Eglien Uises, who co-founded Hope Home-Based Health Care, says her personal experience inspired her to serve. 

To sustain its operations, Uises also co-founded the EGUS Clinic, which is open to the public and supports Hope Home-Based Health Care financially. The organisation currently employs 36 medical professionals and caregivers.

At the launch, Dr. Lilian Sefu, a general practitioner, highlighted that early detection saves lives. She encouraged regular cancer screenings, including prostate and breast cancer checkups, emphasising that uncomfortable procedures can still be life-saving.

Penda Iithindi, Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, warned that delaying basic screenings only complicates treatment and recovery.

Prime Minister Ngurare applauded Hope Home-Based Health Care for its role in complementing government efforts to improve health services. He said more than N$12 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, a demonstration of the government’s commitment to quality healthcare.