Namibia Public Oncologist Shortage Delays Cancer Detection

Namibia faces a critical shortage of cancer specialists, with only one oncologist serving the entire public health sector, a deficit severely hampering early detection and timely treatment as the nation’s cancer burden grows.

Health and Social Services Minister Esperance Luvindao disclosed that of the country’s seven specialist oncologists, six are based in the private sector. This imbalance creates significant barriers to accessing care, contributing to long waiting lists and diagnoses often made at advanced stages when treatment options are limited and frequently palliative.

The minister made these remarks on Monday during the acceptance of a donation from the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group to support cancer care at Windhoek Central Hospital. She highlighted that four oncologists are currently in training abroad, with three slated for Oshakati Intermediate Hospital to address gaps in the densely populated northern regions.

Globally, cancer remains a leading cause of death, with approximately 20 million new cases and 10 million deaths recorded in 2022 and 2023. In Africa, mortality is often driven by limited access to early diagnosis and treatment. To counter this, Namibia is finalising a comprehensive National Cancer Control Programme, scheduled for completion by June. The strategy will guide prevention, screening, treatment, and palliative care.

A joint assessment mission from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) is due this week to evaluate and strengthen the country’s cancer control capacity. The ministry’s strategic objective is to shift detection to stage one or earlier, a move described as both lifesaving and cost-effective.

Efforts to decentralise services are prioritised. Plans for this year include establishing oncology services at Oshakati, reducing treatment waiting times to a maximum of six weeks, and expanding radiotherapy capacity. This involves procuring a new brachytherapy machine for cervical cancer treatment and securing essential chemotherapy drugs and advanced diagnostic tools.

While the ministry utilises retired specialists on contracts and purchases private sector services, Minister Luvindao acknowledged these are interim measures insufficient for rising demand. She welcomed the O&L donation, stressing that private-sector partnerships are vital to a coordinated national response. “Fighting cancer is a national priority. Our response must be decisive, coordinated and sustained,” she stated, urging other corporates to contribute.

O&L’s Chief Financial Officer, Theresa Weitz, framed the donation as part of an authentic partnership with government and health stakeholders, aimed at creating measurable impact and strengthening service delivery. The support arrives as Namibia works to build a more resilient and accessible cancer care system amid a pressing specialist shortage.