First palliative care centre to become a reality
The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) on Wednesday received the keys to 3 Jan Jonker Road in Klein Windhoek, where the first specialist palliative care centre for cancer patients in Namibia will be established.The first phase of the project, at an estimated N$7.5 million to procure, remodel and expand the existing property, is the single biggest investment by the welfare organisation to fight cancer in Namibia.
The centre aims to complement the already existing support programmes offered by CAN for cancer patients in the country and is focused on integrating with existing medical treatment programmes of both state and private cancer care.
“Palliative Care Namibia (PCN) is the final objective in our current 10-year strategic plan that concludes in 2025. Palliative care is a critical component of cancer care often lagging in low and middle-income countries due to a lack of resources. Namibia has some level of palliation, either by in-hospital care or home-based support. However, a national policy, framework or guidelines, in addition to a training centre of excellence and specialist hospice units, are not yet available,” explained Rolf Hansen, CAN chief executive.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) places emphasis on palliative care development and we [CAN] trust that through this new programme, relevant stakeholders will be united so that we can capacitate caregivers and healthcare workers in both state and private systems. We also need to empower family members to better understand the needs of their loved ones when it comes to end-of-life palliative care.”
The new centre will benchmark with similar institutions in the Western Cape of South Africa, while specialisation in this field of study is already underway through the University of Cape Town's Palliative Care Programme. Capacity building and in-hospital training will be assisted by Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, and local training will then be presented by Palliative Care Namibia through the ongoing support of both UCT and Groote Schuur Hospital.
“The need exists for a centre of excellence in palliative care training; while caring and homely environments where patients can either recover, stabilize or have a dignified end of life, is currently lacking in Namibia. CAN hopes that through the Palliative Care Namibia programme and relevant centres, we can address this need and support Nambians fighting cancer,” Hansen said.
The Windhoek East centre is anticipated to open in mid-2023, while a Windhoek West unit is planned to open by the end of the year. Expansion to the coast where the CAN Erongo Centre is operational in Swakopmund is also planned.
Palliative Care Namibia will collaborate with local oncology centres, treating doctors and hospitals to accommodate patients in need of palliative care services. Home-based care and regional capacitating of local nurses and caregivers are critical components of the new unit to ensure palliative care services become available nationwide.