FirstRand Donates N$1.3 Million to Palliative Care Fund
On Tuesday, an official handover ceremony took place in Windhoek, where the FirstRand Namibia Foundation committed N$1.3 million to the Palliative Care Fund of Namibia. This financial backing aims to assist vulnerable cancer sufferers and improve compassionate healthcare delivery throughout the nation. Dr. Theo-Ben Kandetu, who serves as Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Health and Social Services, was present to deliver remarks that praised the new partnership.
Kandetu noted that the Ministry manages over 460 public health facilities nationwide, including health centers, clinics, and district and referral hospitals. This network serves more than 85% of the country’s population. To achieve its goal of offering accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare, the Ministry relies on this vast infrastructure to meet the needs of the public.
Recognizing that state resources are limited, Dr. Kandetu called for a “whole-of-society approach.” He specifically praised the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN), led by CEO Rolf Hansen, for being a model partner in care delivery. Following World Hospice and Palliative Care Day and a recent symposium co-hosted by the Africa Palliative Care Association and the WHO Africa Regional Office, officials clarified that these services are not limited to cancer or terminal illnesses. Instead, palliative care covers all clinical fields, focusing on alleviating symptoms, managing pain, and providing holistic psychosocial support to patients and their families.
The Palliative Care Fund was established on January 1, 2026, with the goal of raising dedicated funds. This initiative ensures that cancer patients facing financial hardship—those already being treated at the Dr. AB May Cancer Care Centre or through CAN support programs, do not lose their dignity or access to treatment because of money issues.
By working alongside existing government services, the Fund guarantees that state cancer patients receive specialized assistance at locations like House Zietsman in Windhoek and House Johannesson in Swakopmund. Furthermore, the Ministry urged CAN to expand palliative care programs directly within public hospitals, with a focus on Windhoek Central Hospital, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital, and Walvis Bay District Hospital.
Dr. Kandetu thanked Ms. Clara Bohitile, the Chairperson of the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, and the organization for the N$1.3 million contribution. He labeled the donation as an investment in human dignity and challenged the corporate sector to provide continuous, sustainable funding. In turn, the Ministry of Health and Social Services promised to establish a supportive policy framework for palliative care, which includes finalizing the national Cancer Control Plan to fully incorporate these vital services into the health system.
