Working towards better care this October
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
The Cancer Association of Namibia commemorates World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) for the first time on Saturday, 12 October 2024, at House Zietsman in Klein Windhoek. This day is a globally recognised opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for improved hospice and palliative care services.This year’s WHPCD theme is “Ten Years Since the Resolution: How Are We Doing?” It marks a decade since the World Health Assembly passed a stand-alone resolution on palliative care, urging all countries to make it a core component of healthcare throughout life. The 2024 theme reflects on the progress made and challenges still faced in the global palliative care movement.
Palliative care in Namibia
CAN recently launched Palliative Care Namibia (PCN), a community-centred initiative aimed at providing comprehensive care to individuals with cancer diagnosis. Under the leadership of Dr Gerrit Keyter, House Zietsman has opened its doors to offer specialised palliative and hospice care for cancer patients.
“Despite efforts to improve access to quality palliative care in Namibia, significant gaps remain in both private and state healthcare systems. As the global palliative care community continues its advocacy, Namibia still faces an access abyss,” CAN chief executive Rolf Hansen said.
“The country struggles to provide access to adequate palliative care for many who desperately need it, highlighting the importance of the global movement to prioritize palliative care as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Global reality
Globally, over 60 million people, including adults and children, require palliative care services every year, with the vast majority living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately, more than half of those needs are unmet, especially in LMICs, where only 4% of the required care is provided, compared to over 50% in high-income countries. This disparity has devastating consequences, leaving millions to endure unnecessary suffering.
Palliative care offers symptom relief, emotional support and comfort to individuals with serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or chronic respiratory conditions. It aims to enhance the quality of life for both patients and their families.
While many associate hospice with end-of-life care, palliative care can be offered at any stage of illness and focuses on improving overall well-being.
Palliative care provision
The care team consists of medical professionals and specialists, including doctors and nurses; social workers and care workers; nutritionists; spiritual and soul care advisors; and financial and end-of-life planning consultants.
Depending on local resources, palliative care may be provided at home, in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or specialised units like House Zietsman.
CAN and PCN call on all stakeholders, healthcare professionals and government officials to implement the World Health Assembly’s 2014 resolution and prioritize palliative care in national healthcare policies. Both organisations are committed to advocating for better access to care and invite the community to join us in this critical cause.
For more information, PCN at [email protected] or call 081 953 7740.