Anatomy, which is the study of the human body, plays a vital role as the foundation of practical learning in the medical field.

UNAM has, over the years, faced a challenge of shortages in cadavers, which they often receive from South Africa while unclaimed bodies continue to overflow in our mortuaries.

In many foreign countries, unclaimed bodies are often utilised for research and study purposes.

In Namibia, however, bodies cannot be obtained from mortuaries, as there is no legislation put in place.

Bodies must be willingly donated by the donor or can be donated by the families on behalf of the deceased.

Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at UNAM School of Medicine, Dr. Anneli Poolman, says that if more people are willing to donate, it will have a tremendous positive impact in medical science.

Dr. Poolman further stated that students have a better perception and understanding when doing practical work, given the hands-on experience of working with a real body.

She says the cadavers are well preserved and treated with the utmost respect and are handled with professionalism.

The cadavers can be used for up to three years, after which they will be given to the family for burial or cremated free of charge.

Dr. Poolman is urging members of the public to donate their bodies for the purpose of producing highly skilled medical practitioners.

Donors must declare in their final will and testament that they are donating to the university as an authorised institution.

Body donation forms are available at the UNAM School of Medicine, with more details on the terms and conditions.

Bodies must be received within a week of demise for preservation.