Health system constraints in cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia: A qualitative study
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Date
2025-08-21
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer remains a pressing public health concern in Namibia, with
significant barriers to prevention, particularly in rural areas.
Aim: This study explored health system’s challenges and their impact on cervical cancer
prevention efforts.
Setting: This study was conducted in the Ohangwena and Kavango West regions of Namibia.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was employed, focusing on healthcare workers
directly involved in cervical cancer prevention. In-depth interviews were utilised to collect
data from 11 participants from four district hospitals. Thematic analysis, guided by the World
Health Organisation’s six health system framework pillars, was used.
Results: Key service gaps were identified across critical areas of cervical cancer prevention,
including a lack of awareness, a lack of human papillomavirus vaccines and referral screening
equipment that limited local outreach services. Other significant findings included the shortage
of trained personnel and the manual data systems, which resulted in deficiencies in decision making. Financial constraints, including reliance on non-governmental organisation funding
and weak community engagement, exacerbated by cultural stigma, presented leadership
challenges.
Conclusion: Investing in human resources for health, decentralising budget trends and
enhancing data systems are critical for cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia. Equally
important is the active involvement of the community in these efforts.
Contribution: This study highlights key health system constraints in the Ohangwena and
Kavango West regions.
Description
Keywords
cervical, cancer, prevention, health system, challenges, health infrastructure, Namibia.
Citation
Ndakukamo, E. K., Mahalie, R., & Hailonga-van Dijk, P. (2025). Health system constraints in cervical cancer prevention in rural Namibia: A qualitative study. African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, 17(1), 4976.https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-phcfm_v17_n1_a4976