Turning grief into action: Sirkka Ndjoba’s mission to promote early detection

University of Namibia (Unam) student and cancer awareness advocate Sirkka Netumbo Ndjoba is making waves with her online campaign, 'Wellness Wednesdays', a weekly Instagram series that aims to educate Namibians about cancer and promote early detection. The initiative was born from personal tragedy. Ndjoba’s grandfather battled prostate cancer for four years, but due to a lack of awareness, his condition went undetected until it was too late. “My grandfather showed so many signs, but we didn’t know what they meant. Living with that regret is what drives me today,” she says.Through Wellness Wednesdays, Ndjoba provides information, shares personal stories and connects people with helpful resources. Her platform has quickly grown into a digital support space where people come for answers, encouragement and hope.“I never expected so many people to reach out,” she says. “It’s become a place where people hold hands and fight this silent pandemic together.”She says her greatest influence is her grandmother, Lucia Kaunapawa Naishindi. “Her strength and leadership taught me that women’s value and power don’t fade with time.”Act without fear Balancing her academic life as an English student at Unam with advocacy work hasn’t been easy. But with a strict schedule and moments set aside for self-care, Ndjoba makes it work.“You can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why taking care of ourselves is just as important as serving others,” she notes.Ndjoba encourages other young Namibians to act boldly. “Do it now. Do it scared. Don’t wait for permission or the perfect moment.”Looking ahead, she hopes to collaborate with the health ministry, the Cancer Association of Namibia, and the Zuzu Holding Hands Foundation to promote early detection. Her dream is to see mobile clinics reaching marginalised communities and more cancer survivors in Namibia.“The responsibility is ours. No one is coming to save us, we have to take the lead,” she says.

Turning grief into action: Sirkka Ndjoba’s mission to promote early detection

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Republikein 2025-09-18

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Turning grief into action: Sirkka Ndjoba’s mission to promote early detection

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