Although nuclear medicine and radiation therapy are available in Namibia, more needs to be done to optimise the latest developments in radiation technology.

This the Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, during the Official Opening of the 3-day 2nd Nuclear Science and Technology Conference held at Swakopmund.

Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that in 2022 Namibia recorded 3,453 new cases of cancer and 1,940 cancer deaths.

This means that out of every ten people diagnosed with cancer, six of them lost their lives due to cancer.

Compared with data from countries that have optimised the advantage of radiation technologies, cancer-related deaths can be as low as 3 out of every 10 people diagnosed with the disease, she adds.

It is, therefore, important that there is a need for additional improvement in diagnostic and treatment capabilities using nuclear technology.

The country she adds must also improve on its cancer prevention strategies.