About Us
Our aim is to develop a centre of excellence for palliation in Namibia to support patient in need of such services.
Vision
To contribute to a Namibian healthcare ecosystem
A place where quality palliative care services are developed, supported, and integrated, ensuring that all Namibian patients in need have access to compassionate, holistic care.
Mission
To foster a national commitment to palliative and hospice care, advocating for a patient-centred approach that empowers patient autonomy.
We aim to promote an interdisciplinary team approach to care, ensuring that palliation and hospice care services provide comprehensive support to patients and their families.
Values
At CAN, our commitment to compassionate care extends beyond oncology to encompass all facets of palliative care.
Through Palliative Care Namibia, we strive to empower caregivers and healthcare professionals across both public and private sectors. We aim to educate families, enabling them to better support their loved ones during terminal illnesses and end-of-life stages. Our goal is to foster a truly inclusive care program that meets the diverse needs of our community.
Meet the Team Behind Palliative Care Namibia
Our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, holistic care to those in need. With expertise in medical, emotional, and spiritual support, we work together to ensure every patient and their family receive the care they deserve.
Dr Gerrit Keyter
Head, Medical Services
Sr Mareli Snyman
Registered Nurse/Midwife
Sr Thuuli Kanime
Enrolled Nurse/Midwife
Sr Theresia Rooi
Enrolled Nurse
Revouley Amporo
Care Giver
Learn More About Us
Official CAN Video
Our Background
Palliative Care Namibia was officially established by the Cancer Association of Namibia (WO30) in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 again highlighted the urgency of a programme that could speak to training and capacity building of care workers to manage critical, terminal and end-of-life protocols.
Under the leadership of its Chief Executive, Mr Rolf Hansen, the Cancer Association of Namibia embarked on a journey to find suitable partners, a quality training programme, and a “home” for this new venture.
In May 2022, the leadership of CAN visited the University of Cape Town (UCT), Groote Schuur Hospital’s highly progressive palliative care unit, and reached out to Tygerberg Hospice and St Luke’s Hospice to establish a benchmark.
A blueprint based on a local needs assessment, goals to aim for and a practical implementation strategy to formally establish palliative care in Namibia was drafted. This included plans for the palliative care centre itself, a centre of excellence to build capacity and an action plan to drive policy development and to generate momentum for national palliative care services. During May 2023, the medical leadership of CAN attended the South African Palliative Care Association’s national meeting in Cape Town where exceptional new partnerships were established that laid the groundwork for an exchange of training opportunities in both countries.
Milestones in Advancing Palliative Care in Namibia:
A Home for Compassionate Care
The identification of a suitable property to develop the first Palliative Care Namibia Centre by the Cancer Association of Namibia (WO30).
Building Skills, Transforming Care
The implementation of local training and capacity building opportunities in Namibia by Dr Rene Krause who leads the palliative care programme at UCT
Shaping the Future of Palliative Care
The identification of local doctors and nurses who might be interested to sign up for specialised diploma courses.
Holistic Support for Patients & Families
The establishing of a partnership with the Soul Carers Network of South Africa who provide training on end-of-life spiritual and soul care for both the patients and their families.
Growing Hope: Volunteers Unite to Strengthen Palliative Care Across Namibia:
The success of the 2-year roll-out plan gained momentum when local volunteers joined in great numbers to be trained as home-based soul carers, learning the basics of patient care, and the formation of “hubs of hope” in Windhoek, Swakopmund and Rehoboth.
In April 2024, the first Palliative Care Namibia unit, House Zietsman, was officially opened and was named in honour of and as a show of gratitude to Dr Anel Zietsman for her life-long commitment and service in the fight against cancer in Namibia.
It is our hope, as Cancer Association of Namibia, that the seed that we have planted will grow and flourish nationally, in both private and public healthcare, so that every Namibian will have access to quality palliative care when needed.
Need support? Contact us to learn how we can help.