NHP hosts Pink Run for breast cancer awareness

Hilma Nalupe

The Namibia Health Plan (NHP) hosted its inaugural Pink Run on Saturday in Windhoek to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme ‘Every reason to run’.

The event saw almost 2 000 people take to the streets of Windhoek to raise awareness of breast cancer and encourage people to seek medical care and make healthier lifestyle choices.

The run featured 5 km, 10 km and 21.1 km distances, with participants challenging themselves across distances while raising awareness.

After the run, female participants could get a clinical breast cancer screening in a private area as part of the race objectives.

NHP principal officer Dantago Garosas said the theme was chosen to encourage people to move beyond awareness and take practical steps to protect their health. “Awareness should lead somewhere. It should lead to action,” she said, urging people to make time for screening, encourage loved ones to prioritise their health and pay attention to changes in their bodies.

Participants also shared personal reasons for taking part in the event. Ten-kilometre runner Florence Vahekeni said the cause was particularly meaningful to her following the loss of her baby cousin to cancer.

“I lost my baby cousin to cancer, so I’m doing this for her, for baby Rauna. This cause is very close to my heart, and running is my way of honouring her memory,” she said.

Jessica Nombanza also dedicated her participation to a loved one, saying the event encouraged people to support a cause while reconnecting with physical activity.

NHP corporate communications manager Tunohole Mungoba said the event aimed to turn the breast cancer awareness campaign into meaningful action beyond October.

“Whether you ran for yourself, for someone you love, or in memory of someone you have lost, we hope that reason stays with you beyond today,” she said.

Mungoba also acknowledged the healthcare providers who contribute to the medical aid scheme’s service delivery, noting that NHP’s provider network includes 369 participating general practitioners and 108 dentists.

She said the network plays an important role in strengthening access to healthcare services for members and thanked the stakeholders who continue to support the organisation’s efforts to provide healthcare services to Namibians.

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