Cancer patients in the Erongo Region will no longer have to travel to Windhoek for chemotherapy following the opening of the Walvis Bay Oncology Centre at the state hospital.
The new multi-million-dollar facility has become a reality through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Cancer Association of Namibia, and Langer Heinrich Uranium.
Health Minister Dr. Esperance Luvindao explained.
"Somebody once said to me that chemotherapy is the closest you can come to death without actually dying. The one key thing is the decentralisation of services, because in 2026 there is absolutely no reason why somebody should be travelling from the Erongo to Windhoek for services."
Until now, many patients from the coast and southern Namibia had to travel to Windhoek for treatment, often at great financial and emotional cost.
Governor of Erongo Region, Natalia /Goagoses expressed her appreciation.
"It is a restoration of dignity. It is a reaffirmation that quality healthcare should not be determined by geography."
The Walvis Bay facility, currently in Phase One, will function as a chemotherapy centre, bringing specialised cancer care closer to patients.
Langer Heinrich Uranium contributed N$2 million.
Finance Manager of Langer Heinrich Uranium, Bianca McKenzie, outlined the social responsibility of the company.
"Cancer touches so many families—our employees, their loved ones, and the broader community. As a company, we are privileged to help make cancer care more accessible to our communities.
The mayor of the harbour town, Johannes Shimbilinga, who is also a cancer survivor, shared a testimony.
"I remember and recognize Dr. Zietsman there. In 2014, when I was diagnosed, she treated me. I said, Leave me, I will die. Let the medicine go to those who will get better. But she said, no, you are not going to die. She has taken care of me until today. Thank you, Dr. Zietsman. Let us continue to stand together as a community."
Health officials emphasised early detection, routine screenings, and vaccinations as critical tools in the fight against cancer.