WINDHOEK — The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) is experiencing a significant increase in financial assistance requests in 2024, with the total support needed reaching N$2 million just halfway through the financial year. This rise is linked to the growing number of cancer diagnoses among the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Chief Executive Officer of CAN, during an interview with Nampa on Thursday, the association now handles an average of 120 new requests for financial aid each month. These requests predominantly come from patients under state care or those covered by lower-tier plans of the Public Service Employees Medical Aid Scheme (PSEMAS). Hansen emphasized the critical role of the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, which funds various initiatives crucial for supporting cancer patients across Namibia.

He detailed that 30 percent of the funds raised by the 2024 Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project, CAN’s largest fundraising effort, are allocated to the National Cancer Outreach Programme. This program is set to be restructured in 2025 to better align with the new National Cancer Control Plan, which aims to decentralize cancer care across Namibia, making diagnostic and treatment services more accessible.

The repositioning of the National Cancer Outreach Programme complements broader efforts to enhance healthcare access, similar to the approaches already implemented in national cervical cancer and breast clinic programs. Additionally, Hansen noted that 20 percent of the Apple Project’s proceeds would support the national palliative care program, with the remaining 50 percent directed towards the patient financial assistance program.

This assistance program provides N$700 for the initial three months after a patient begins treatment, covering transportation and lodging to facilitate compliance with treatment protocols, and aiding with co-payments and medication purchases.