Luvindao pushes for better pain relief, palliative care

Health minister Esperance Luvindao has called for wider access to pain relief and palliative care, warning that Namibia’s cancer burden demands stronger support for patients and their families.

In a speech delivered on her behalf by deputy minister Suzan Ndjaleka in Windhoek on Friday, Luvindao said the ministry was committed to expanding cancer screening, improving treatment and referral systems, and integrating nutritional and psychological support into home-based care.

The address marked the commemoration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day under the theme “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”.

“Pain relief is not a luxury; it is a fundamental human right,” Luvindao said.

Citing estimates attributed to the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, she said Namibia faced approximately 4 205 new cancer cases and more than 2 000 cancer deaths in 2024.

Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, followed by cervical cancer, which accounted for 18.3% of cancers among women, according to the address.

Luvindao said prostate cancer, Kaposi sarcoma and colorectal cancer also placed significant pressure on the health system.

She stressed that the burden extended beyond physical illness, with patients facing fear, pain and emotional distress while families struggled with caregiving demands, financial pressure and the prospect of losing a loved one.

Luvindao said palliative care was an essential part of Namibia’s response to cancer and should complement prevention, early detection and treatment.

She said the introduction of HPV vaccinations and improved cervical cancer screening had strengthened efforts to prevent the disease.

Advanced cancer

However, she stressed that the government's responsibility did not end when patients developed advanced cancer, as they still needed care that protected their dignity and relieved their suffering.

“This is where palliative care steps in. It is how we ensure that every patient, regardless of their prognosis, lives with dignity, comfort, and freedom from pain,” Luvindao said.

The minister said Namibia had introduced human papillomavirus vaccinations and strengthened cervical cancer screening. The ministry would soon launch the National Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and the National Cervical Cancer Guidelines 2025.

She called on development partners, United Nations agencies, civil society, the private sector and communities to help strengthen services, saying sustainable palliative care required cooperation among health professionals, social workers, spiritual advisers and community health workers.

Luvindao highlighted the Cancer Association of Namibia’s contribution through patient advocacy, awareness campaigns and supportive care, saying patients’ experiences should help shape health services.

She also recognised Eglien Uises and her home-based care foundation in Tsumeb, which, according to the address, has provided home-based support, mobile clinic services and cancer awareness since 2016.

The commemoration also included the presentation of the inaugural Dr Anne Merriman Award for Excellence in Palliative Care in Africa, supported by the Government of Ireland and Irish Aid.

Luvindao said the award honoured Merriman’s commitment to affordable, compassionate care, including access to oral morphine, and aimed to inspire a new generation of palliative care leaders.

She recalled Namibia’s collaboration with the African Palliative Care Association and USAID during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, calling for renewed partnerships to address advanced cancer and chronic disease.