Unam applauds rise in body donations for science
Supporting science after death
The University of Namibia (Unam) says it has seen a growing number of people pledging to donate their bodies for scientific research after death.
Between 2010 and 2014, only 11 people made such pledges. But between February and May this year alone, four more donors committed their bodies to Unam for research purposes.
“The recent increase in donations demonstrates greater openness and acceptance among Namibians. It is a commendable act that indicates a progressive attitude towards supporting medical research and education in Namibia,” said the associate dean for the university's medical school, Dr Felicia Christians.
In a statement, Unam explained that local body donations significantly reduce the costs and logistical challenges of importing bodies from countries such as South Africa.
“Local body donations symbolise support for Namibia’s healthcare education system. It is a powerful statement of national pride and unity,” said the executive dean of Unam's faculty of health sciences and veterinary medicine, Prof. Judith Hall.
Dignity and respect
According to the university, donated bodies allow medical students to gain a level of understanding that cannot be achieved through textbooks or models. Unam says it requires at least ten donations each year.
“Each commitment enriches the practical training of our future medical staff. The increase in public interest is truly encouraging and supports a better understanding of how essential these donations are for medical education,” said Dr Anneli Poolman, a senior lecturer in anatomy at the university.
The university says the bodies are treated with the utmost respect and dignity and a rose ceremony is held at the beginning of each semester in honour of those who donated their bodies. This ceremony is held at universities worldwide.
Those who wish to donate their bodies for science can send an email to [email protected].
Between 2010 and 2014, only 11 people made such pledges. But between February and May this year alone, four more donors committed their bodies to Unam for research purposes.
“The recent increase in donations demonstrates greater openness and acceptance among Namibians. It is a commendable act that indicates a progressive attitude towards supporting medical research and education in Namibia,” said the associate dean for the university's medical school, Dr Felicia Christians.
In a statement, Unam explained that local body donations significantly reduce the costs and logistical challenges of importing bodies from countries such as South Africa.
“Local body donations symbolise support for Namibia’s healthcare education system. It is a powerful statement of national pride and unity,” said the executive dean of Unam's faculty of health sciences and veterinary medicine, Prof. Judith Hall.
Dignity and respect
According to the university, donated bodies allow medical students to gain a level of understanding that cannot be achieved through textbooks or models. Unam says it requires at least ten donations each year.
“Each commitment enriches the practical training of our future medical staff. The increase in public interest is truly encouraging and supports a better understanding of how essential these donations are for medical education,” said Dr Anneli Poolman, a senior lecturer in anatomy at the university.
The university says the bodies are treated with the utmost respect and dignity and a rose ceremony is held at the beginning of each semester in honour of those who donated their bodies. This ceremony is held at universities worldwide.
Those who wish to donate their bodies for science can send an email to [email protected].
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