N/a’an ku sê Lifeline Clinic

Enter the world of the Naankuse Lifeline Clinic, borne from the tragic and unnecessary death of a San baby. Realising the immense need of Namibia’s heart-breakingly ostracised San community, Dr. Rudie and Marlice van Vuuren garnered the support of Dutch philanthropists, Jan and Tineke Verburg. This charitable couple funded the start of the Lifeline Clinic, subsequently becoming irreplaceable partners in the Naankuse Foundation. Their spirit suffuses the work of Naankuse and is a constant reminder of the generosity present in the world. 

October 2022 saw the official opening of the Lifeline Clinic Chapel and School, Jan and Tineke Verburg yet again having provided the funds necessary to make this centre of support and education possible. This dynamic duo was present at the official opening event, bringing their unique touch of magic and love.  

A large focus of our work at the Lifeline Clinic is tackling the tuberculosis and malnutrition burdens within the San population. This is achieved through both clinic-based healthcare and our outreach around the region. A number of San communities are remotely situated, accessing the clinic itself a challenging task. A 4x4 ambulance allows clinic staff to visit far-flung locations, the weekly outreach sessions taking healthcare to even the remotest communities. 

​

With malnutrition affecting cognitive development in children and causing a variety of ailments, the clinic’s twice weekly nutritional support program is attended by up to 120 people per session. Furthermore, nutritious food is provided on a daily basis to those patients requiring intensive malnutrition treatment. 

Established in 2020, an agricultural project located on clinic premises is elevating the Lifeline Clinic to levels of self-sustainability. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables supplement the feeding program, with hydroponic and agricultural techniques simultaneously providing future training and job opportunities.