Nampharm Foundation celebrates milestonesin child healthcare

The Nampharm Foundation celebrated a remarkable journey since being established in 2005, at an event highlighting its achievements in supporting Namibian children facing medical challenges.

The event, held in Windhoek on Friday, gathered supporters, volunteers and beneficiaries to commemorate the foundation’s impactful contributions.

The foundation is a social welfare organisation that offers free facial reconstructive surgery for Namibian children, especially those born with cleft lips and cleft palates. It has so far assisted about 250 children countrywide.

Speaking at the event, Nampharm’s executive director Frederik van der Walt said their commitment to helping Namibian children, initially focusing on those fighting cancer and later shifting to assist children with facial deformities, demonstrates their dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community.

“As the founder of the Nampharm Foundation, I am honoured to be here today, realising that my dream from 2005, to help Namibian children with specific illnesses, has come to life and continues to thrive. This would not have been possible without the unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication of Mrs Nampharm Foundation – Carol Musarurwa,” he said.

Van der Walt noted that the team in the Ministry of Health and Social Services has embraced their partnership.

“To such an extent that different hospitals, clinics and health centres know we are just a phone call away for a child’s registration or to guide the family to the next stage of treatment. The impact we have had on the lives of these children and their families will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.”

He said the smiles the foundation has helped create and the lives they have changed serve as testament to the importance of their mission.

According to health executive director Ben Nangombe, since 2012 the collaboration has epitomised a spirit of compassion, dedication and collective effort towards a common goal: the betterment of our society through assisting children needing facial reconstructive surgery.

“From the outset, this partnership has been guided by a shared vision of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable and in need of support. Through our joint efforts, we have been able to provide essential healthcare services,” he said.

Nangombe added that the partnership extends beyond mere provision of resources, it embodies a genuine commitment to empathy and mutual respect.

“Together, we have shown that by uniting our efforts, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone and as Namibians, for Namibian children. As we reflect on the achievements of our partnership, let us also reaffirm our shared commitment to continue this journey of collaboration and service,” he said.

Nampharm’s patron, former first lady Penehupifo Pohamba said the foundation’s initial focus was supporting vulnerable Namibian children with various medical conditions who were unable to access costly medical care.

“Since then, our journey has been characterised by continuous learning as we serve the underprivileged. While commendable, Nampharm Foundation discovered that its true calling is in providing facial reconstructive surgery.”

Pohamba said the focus has allowed them to make a profound impact on the lives of many children and their families.

However, these acts of goodwill need resources from good Samaritans, she added.

“I am therefore excited that the Nampharm Foundation has deservedly obtained its social welfare certification last year.

This is a plausible development as it will allow the Nampharm Foundation to receive donations from a wider range of donors, such as individual members of the public, corporate entities and international donors who, as with our existing local sponsors, understand the important role Nampharm Foundation plays in society,” she said.

Pohamba emphasised that Nampharm Foundation’s annual goal of operating on 30 children has consistently been surpassed and with continued support and potential new partnerships, this trend will continue.

She added that reaching children across Namibia remains a challenge but through the foundation’s strong network at clinics nationwide, babies with cleft conditions are identified early.

“I must mention that our vision has evolved beyond free surgeries. Nampharm Foundation now provides holistic care, ensuring each child reintegrates fully into society. While the cause of cleft conditions remains under research, our passion for these children equally remains unwavering,” she said.