Ohlthaver & List (O&L) has donated N$500,000 to the Oncology Department at Windhoek Central Hospital in support of cancer screening, patient support services and awareness campaigns.
O&L Group Chief Financial Officer Theresa Weitz says cancer affects people from all backgrounds, bringing emotional and financial pressure.
"We are here for a purpose that is deeply meaningful, to stand with the patients, families and health professionals who face cancer every day and to offer support where it is needed most. At O&L our guiding persona is to be authentic, caring and passionate. Those words are our commitment to Namibia in how we show up, how we listen, how we respond."
Weitz says they are proud to support the AB May Cancer Care Centre in strengthening access to screening, patient support and awareness.
She also notes that this contribution is intended to support priority needs with the aim of strengthening treatment capacity, enhancing patient care and helping to create a more dignified experience for patients and their loved ones.
"Early detection and reliable support services improve outcomes and restore hope. O&L's contribution reflects the commitment to meaningful, caring and measurable community impact; Windhoek Central Hospital plays a critical role in that journey."
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, says as prevention is far better than cure, it is vital to emphasise the need for early detection against cancer.
"I do also want to emphasise the numbers in 2022 and 2023: about 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed globally, and an estimated 10 million people died from the disease. This is 10 million funerals, 10 million families that were affected and 10 million families that will never be the same again."
Dr. Luvindao says Namibia spends more on health than many other countries; however, a lot is spent on trying to cure patients as opposed to preventing illnesses.
"And so it is important that we start addressing this and we start having these conversations. The contribution of O&L today, I want to highlight, for me is not even just figures, not just money; it is what it symbolises. And we hope that this will stand as a symbol to other corporates and other partners that are looking and saying, 'Okay, but you know, it is the ministry's role.' It is the ministry's function. We stand and we hold hands together so that we can achieve the healthcare system that we all want."