CAN highlights financial pressures amid rising cancer patient needs

The Cancer Association of Namibia's (CAN's) annual report indicates greater financial needs due to increasing demand."CAN has been 100% independent of any external funding since 1968, precisely because of such uncertainties that constantly arise," CAN CEO, Rolf Hansen, said yesterday. The 2024 annual report indicates that CAN has been receiving an average of 92 new financial support applications per month for patients. The organisation says it spent N$2.6 million on financial assistance for patients in 2024.Patients in the Khomas Region requested the most financial support, with 170 of more than 700 applications originating from the region.The Erongo Region submitted the second-highest number of applications, with 72, while the Otjozondjupa Region submitted 65 applications. CAN said it will need N$3 million in 2025 to maintain this service.Tight budget The organiastion also stated it will require N$600 000 and N$270 000, respectively, to maintain Huis Acacia and the Chica interim home for children with cancer. "With medical funds no longer covering accommodation, CAN has seen an increase in the number of private patients requiring support," CAN's annual report noted.The report indicated that most of the patients who left Huis Acacia were from the Erongo, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto regions. CAN also had to scale down its national outreach programme due to budget limitations and now only visits major towns once every two years to train local health workers.- irene-mari@nmh-hub.com.na

CAN highlights financial pressures amid rising cancer patient needs

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-17

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CAN highlights financial pressures amid rising cancer patient needs

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-17

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