Women’s Wellness Centre promotes health, empowerment

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in early detection of cancer, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Rita Kakelo
Medical Imaging Namibia Women’s Wellness Centre was officially opened last week.
Focusing on providing medical imaging for women - particularly those who are asymptomatic and show no early signs of illness - the centre screens and detects potential issues early, offering treatment before conditions become serious.
According to diagnostic radiographer Twanette-Ann Snyder, medical imaging plays a crucial role in early detection of cancer, significantly increasing the chances of successful treatment. “We’ve noticed a substantial backlog in the state sector for mammography, an essential tool in women’s healthcare, which involves obtaining X-ray images of the breast,” she said.
As part of its social outreach, Medical Imaging Namibia has stepped in to help by offering 100 free breast cancer screenings for state patients during October through the Namibian Oncology Centre.
The Women’s Wellness Centre enforces a strict ‘no children or men allowed’ policy, which Dr Ryan Volker explained helps create a safe and serene environment for women undergoing screenings, despite the discomfort of the process. This ensures a more private and supportive atmosphere for women during what can be a sensitive experience.
He emphasised that it creates a space for women to be treated fairly regardless of their background.
First Lady Sustjie Mbumba, one of the first to be screened at the newly-inaugurated wellness facility, lauded the centre, noting the professionalism and warmth of the staff. “I was so impressed, especially since my previous experiences were not as comfortable and gentle as this one,” she said.
The centre accepts female patients only with a prescription or referral from their general practitioners.