The President of Namibia Hage Geingob is set to undergo a seven Day specialized medical cancer treatment in the United States of America (USA) from January 25 to February 2024.
Consistent with his commitment to transparency and accountability in effective governance, President Geingob informed the Namibian people on 19 January 2024 about cancerous cells that had been detected by his medical team following biopsy exams.
“President Geingob will depart this evening, Wednesday 24 January 2024 and shall return on 2 February 2024. President Geingob would like to thank Namibians and friends from across the globe for their support, prayers and messages of best wishes,” said Namibian Presidency.
The President also communicated that he would commence immediate medical treatment following advice from the medical team.
“Whilst 95% of the treatment for the cancerous cells will be carried out in Namibia, the Presidency wishes to confirm that the treatment the President will undergo in the United States of America is limited to seven days,” said Namibian Presidency.
Namibia VP To Take Charge
The Namibian Presidency announced that Vice President Nangolo Mumba will take over presidential duties during this period.
“The Namibian Presidency wishes to once again reassure Namibians that President Geingob continues to discharge of his duties as Head of State. During the President’s short absence from 25 January to 2 February 2024, the Vice President, Nangolo Mbumba shall be the Acting President,” read the statement.
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President’s Medical Checkup
A regular medical checkup on January 19 revealed that the president had cancer.
The Namibian Head of State’s communication about the cancerous cells attracted outpouring prayers, well-wishes, including offers of medical support from Namibians, friends, leading specialist physicians and scientists from across the globe.
Geingob accepted the medical offer by leading scientists and medical professionals in Los Angeles, California to undergo novel therapy for the cancerous cells in the US.
Also, the presidency revealed that the travel, medical and accommodation expenses of the President will not be incurred by the Government.
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The medical technology will be transferred to Namibia and President Geingob will travel with his medical team.
This will also result in the necessary transfer of advanced medical skills, which will be used for the treatment of other patients in Namibia.
However, this is not the first time Geingob is sick with cancer, while Prime Minister in 2014 he survived prostate cancer before assuming the presidency the following year.
Of note is that Namibia will hold Presidential and National Assembly elections at the end of 2024.