NHP Pink Run draws nearly 2,000 participants
Nearly 2,000 participants took to the streets of Windhoek for the inaugural Namibia Health Plan (NHP) Pink Run on Saturday, 17 October, turning Breast Cancer Awareness Month into a call for action on screening and preventative healthcare.
Held at Ramblers Sports Club under the theme “Every reason to run”, the event offered 5km, 10km and 21km distances, attracting runners of different abilities, families, NHP members and members of the public.
As part of the initiative, female participants received free clinical breast cancer screenings in a private area after the race, reinforcing the importance of early detection and regular health checks.
NHP Principal Officer Dantago Garosas said the theme highlighted the need to move beyond awareness towards meaningful action.
“Those conversations are important, but we cannot stop at awareness. We wanted to ask a more important question: what happens after the awareness? What action are we taking? Are we making time for screening?” she said.
Garosas also highlighted improvements in NHP’s operations. By October, 87.35% of claims were processed within seven days, compared with 62.13% in April. In August, the fund recorded a 97.48% call answer rate, with an average waiting time of 13 seconds. An additional 67 people had been appointed since April to strengthen its managed care operations.
For some participants, the race carried personal significance. Florence Vahekeni, who completed the 10km event, ran in memory of her baby cousin, Rauna, who died of cancer.
“This cause is very close to my heart, and running is my way of honouring her memory,” she said.
Fellow participant Jessica Nombanza dedicated her run to her grandfather, describing the experience as challenging but enjoyable.
NHP Corporate Communications Manager Tunohole Mungoba urged participants to carry the message beyond October by prioritising their health, encouraging loved ones to get screened and seeking medical advice when they notice changes in their bodies.
She also acknowledged NHP’s healthcare provider network, which includes 369 participating general practitioners and 108 dentists.
NHP said the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and proactive healthcare, emphasising that breast cancer awareness, screening and early detection should remain priorities throughout the year.
Established in 1997, NHP is Namibia’s largest open medical aid fund. It was named Best Medical Aid Provider at the 2025 Best of Nam Awards.
