The government has reinstated the Cobalt 60 radiotherapy unit for the Dr AB May Cancer Center at the Windhoek Central Hospital to enhance its cancer treatment capacity.
The system upgrade, which cost over N$16 million, will create capacity to effectively fight cancer.
The ministry has decided to modernise and upgrade the radiotherapy unit to the latest technology, including a new cobalt source and a simulator used for targeting malignant cells.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula, says the ministry will continue to promote greater investment in low-cost interventions, which have a higher impact, while at the same time ensuring a balanced mix of investment in high-tech methods.
"This system has been upgraded with new hardware, software, and a brand-new cobalt-60 source. The inclusion of a multi-leaf collimator provides a more focused treatment approach, allowing us to optimise targeting of cancerous tissues while sparing healthy tissues. This improvement not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also minimises side effects and significantly reduces treatment time. All these contribute to improved patient outcomes."
The ministry has also developed plans to establish a radiotherapy center at Oshakati at a cost of N$240 million.
The minister further stated that these interventions would revolutionise the management of cancer diseases in the country with greater impact and improved health outcomes.
"In terms of prevention, the Namibian government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, working with other stakeholders, has put in place a country-wide system to promote cancer prevention interventions as well as early detection of cancer through the primary health care approach. This builds on the fact that the cancer care continuum encompasses various stages, including cancer prevention, early detection, diagnoses, treatment and rehabilitation."
The minister called upon all citizens, healthcare professionals and community leaders to join in these cancer prevention efforts.
He said the completion of the project provides hope for patients and families affected by the disease.