NUST hosts landmark cancer conference

Namibia is hosting a conference aimed at turning research in Africa into tangible action and transforming discoveries into practical solutions for cancer care locally and across the continent.World experts, researchers, clinicians and professionals in the biotechnology industry will gather in Windhoek next week to focus on groundbreaking research in cancer genomics.The conference, themed 'Harnessing functional genomics in cancer research: opportunities for diagnosis and treatment ', is being hosted by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and will focus on the rapidly advancing field of cancer genomics.In healthcare, genomics is used to diagnose genetic diseases, develop targeted therapies, predict who may be at risk of conditions such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, and improve drug development by tailoring treatments to each patient.Progress in cancer genomics holds the promise of developing more effective cancer treatment strategies tailored to the unique genetic and environmental contexts of African populations.Pivotal gathering The conference comes at a critical time, given the sharp rise in cancer cases in Namibia and across the continent, said Professor Lamech Mwapagha, associate professor of biochemistry at NUST.With prostate, breast and cervical cancers accounting for a significant disease burden and having a profound impact on mortality and morbidity in Namibia, the conference, he said, is not merely an “academic exercise but a direct response to one of the most urgent health challenges facing our nation”.Mwapagha said Namibia’s national cancer registry continues to face gaps in data integration, decentralisation of care and policy frameworks.“By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the conference can foster collaboration in research, data-sharing and policy dialogue to address these challenges in a context relevant to Namibia, with NUST well positioned to drive this agenda forward,” Mwapagha emphasised.He added that through cancer genomics research and the promotion of precision medicine, NUST can advance technology transfer as well as training opportunities for Namibia’s scientists, clinicians and students.“This will strengthen both our scientific community and our clinical capacity to respond to cancer.” By hosting the conference, Mwapagha said, a foundation is also being laid for sustainable collaboration and multi-sectoral investments in cancer control.Global impact The conference is endorsed by leading cancer organisations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM), significantly enhancing its credibility and impact.Mwapagha has been involved in the field of genomics for more than 15 years, with a continued focus on cancer genomics research. As an associate professor and researcher at NUST, he leads several studies examining gene expression patterns and structural variants in cancers, including head and neck, prostate, liver and oesophageal malignancies. His research portfolio further extends to the human microbiome, antimicrobial resistance and pathogen genomics.The landmark conference will take place from 24 to 26 September at the Hilton Hotel in Windhoek.– republikein@republikein.com.na

NUST hosts landmark cancer conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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NUST hosts landmark cancer conference

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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