The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) will provide cancer treatment services over weekends at House Acacia, the interim home for cancer patients, as of February 1, 2024.

The service is for cancer patients who live outside Windhoek but receive treatment in the capital.

CAN Chief Executive Officer Rolf Hansen says the country's cancer patient population has increased dramatically, which has prompted the decision.

He states that other care homes, including privately owned ones, operate over weekends, and it only makes sense for CAN to join in and assist more patients rather than turn them away on weekends.

After consultations with medical stakeholders during 2023, it became evident that treatment plans must now continue seven days a week as cancer patient numbers have surged dramatically, and CAN wants to adapt their support programmes to accommodate patients subsequently too.

Accommodation includes three meals per day and transportation to treatment facilities.

He said that financially vulnerable Namibians are invited to apply for accommodation assistance at the CAN headquarters in Windhoek or through the CAN website.