Africa-Press – Namibia. GEKA Pharmaceuticals recently donated N$120 000 to the Cancer Association of Namibia’s (CAN) Children Fighting Cancer (CHICA) Programme.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CAN, Rolf Hansen, said that the donation is designated for the CHICA Interim Home, which serves as a temporary residence for children undergoing cancer treatment in Windhoek. The CHICA Interim Home provides children undergoing cancer treatment a place to stay for up to six weeks with a parent or guardian.
“This house and program support many families in need, and through our contribution, we can assist CAN in helping these families,” said the Managing Director of Geka Pharmaceuticals, Nadia Coetzee.
Hansen explained that the CHICA Programme was established by CAN to address the challenge of childhood cancer, which affects about 250 Namibian children annually. He revealed that the most common childhood cancers in Namibia are Leukemia, Retinoblastoma, Nephroblastoma, Brain tumours, and Lymphomas.
Hansen explained that childhood cancer generally cannot be prevented or identified through screening. Therefore, recognizing the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. Common signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, fatigue, and changes in the appearance of the eyes.
Hansen further explained that the CHICA Fund also provides financial support to pediatric oncology patients and assists with funeral costs for financially vulnerable patients who have lost their battle with cancer. Additionally, the fund supports the Ward 8 West Paediatric Oncology Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, an ongoing project.
“The Cancer Association of Namibia is grateful to GEKA Pharmaceuticals, a critical stakeholder in our mission to assist families affected by childhood cancer diagnosis,” he added.
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