Here is how we can assist you

ROLF HANSEN, CEO OF THE CANCER ASSOCIATION OF NAMIBIA WRITES: With reference to the SMS in the Republikein of 15 October 2021, I respond in English as the writer thereof corresponded thus.

I personally thank the writer for their support of the Cancer Association of Namibia (WO30) and the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project. It is only through the dedication and solidarity of our community that we can impact lives.

CAN has several support programmes enacted by our mandate ranging from education, screening and outreach programmes, to patient support services that include two interim homes, mental health support and the patient financial assistance programme.

Regretfully, CAN is not in the financial position to provide private cancer care to state patients, nor pay medical aid contributions to enable individuals to become private patients. We however have a financial assistance programme to which any Namibian cancer patient in need is welcome to apply and following a board-approved policy on this programme, we see how best we can assist the patient.

Please also note that all state patients have access to cancer care and treatment through the Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital – a medical unit that is continuously supported by the Cancer Association of Namibia to the benefit of Namibians without access to private health care.

In the event that treatment is not readily available at the State, the medical team will communicate with CAN on how we can possibly work together to assist such a patient. Regretfully, if the specific treatment is very costly, and/or no alternative is available, these costs (that sometimes will run into hundreds of thousands very quickly) cannot be made the responsibility of the Association – we simply do not have the funds for this. If we fund private care and/or medical aid contributions for one patient, it then becomes our duty to provide private care for all Namibians who knock at our door.

I invite the writer of this SMS to engage our Patient Navigator team at [email protected] or visit with us personally to see how we can take hands. We might not be able to provide the specific solution the patient wants, but we will work together to provide some form of support that can aid the patient and their family during their journey with cancer.

For more information on our activities and support programmes please visit www.can.org.na.