Challenges and hope: Fighting childhood cancer in Namibia
Every week in Namibia, no fewer than five families hear the words: "your child has cancer." Globally, childhood cancer cases are on the rise, and Namibia is no exception.
Since 2013, Namibia has reported an average of 136 new childhood cancer cases each year, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and strong support systems. With programmes like CHICA, hope, care, and life-saving treatment are being brought closer to those who need it most.Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents. Survival rates vary widely depending on location: in high-income countries, over 80% of children survive, but in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), fewer than 30% do.
While childhood cancers are rarely preventable and screening is generally not useful, most types can be cured with timely treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and supportive care. Barriers in LMICs, such as delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, treatment abandonment, and complications from side effects, contribute to low survival rates. Improving access to essential medicines and quality care has been shown to be highly cost-effective and can save lives.
Childhood cancers often have no known cause. Some chronic infections, including HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and malaria, increase risk, particularly in LMICs. Around 10% of childhood cases are linked to genetic predispositions. Vaccination, early detection, and treatment of infections remain important prevention strategies for cancers that may develop later in life.
Early diagnosis
Early diagnosis is critical. Families and primary care providers must recognise warning signs such as persistent fever, severe headaches, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss. Correct diagnosis ensures children receive the right treatment for their specific cancer type, improving survival while reducing suffering and treatment costs.
Access to comprehensive care, including physical, nutritional, cognitive, and emotional support, is essential. When services are available, more than 80% of children with cancer can be cured, often with affordable generic medicines. Long-term follow-up is also vital to manage recurrence or late effects of treatment.
In Namibia, the CHICA (Children Fighting Cancer) programme, run by the Cancer Association of Namibia, supports children and families facing cancer. The programme provides accommodation, transport, psychosocial counselling, essential supplies, medical aids, and even funeral support for bereaved families. It also maintains the Childhood Cancer Ward at Windhoek Central Hospital.
This September, CHICA will mobilise the nation through several events: CANCafé Pancake & Cupcake Sales, the Yellow Ribbon Festival in Walvis Bay on 20 September, and the CHICA Family Fun Day in Windhoek on 27 September, with all proceeds supporting the CHICA Fund.
Families needing assistance can contact CHICA at 061 237740 or [email protected]. Volunteers, donors, and community groups are encouraged to get involved to help improve survival and quality of life for Namibia’s young cancer patients.