By: Valeria Handobe

The former First Lady Monica Geingos has highlighted the devastating impact of cancer and the urgent need for action to address the rising cases of cancer in the country.

Geingos made the remarks while delivering her heartfelt tribute to late husband, Hage Geingob, who passed away early this month following a cancer diagnosis.

Geingos revealed she and Geingob were informed by a doctor of his diagnosis following a biopsy on 16 January this year.  A day after, they went for their first oncology visit to devise a treatment plan.  Just three days later, on 19th January, the late president had publicly announced his diagnosis.

Geingos added that her husband’s ordeal had put her in the front row of the devastating impact of cancer, spending a lot to time with Namibian doctors in the last few weeks.

“ All the doctors I interacted with are concerned about the rising cases of cancer in Namibia, in what appears to be a global phenomenon. A few mentioned that they were pleased to see an increase in men looking to be screened for cancer once the President announced he had cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently announced a frightening protection of a rise of 77% in cancer cases by the year 2050. If anyone is watching megatrends in public healthcare, cancer care, particularly the inequalities that define it, should be a priority focus area, it certainly will be for me”.

Geingos extended gratitude to healthcare workers who assisted them during the difficult period.

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