OCTOBER 2008 — Palliative care is the combination of measures that relieve suffering and improve quality of life for those facing life-limiting illness. It should be offered from the point of diagnosis and continue through death and bereavement. Though it is one of the most important forms of care for individuals with progressive or far-advanced illness, millions do not have access to palliative care services and continue to endure pain or psychosocial and spiritual suffering. Millions more struggle to care for sick loved ones or grieve their loss.
Family Health International believes that provision of palliative care and treatment of the illness are complementary and that patients have a right to both. FHI has helped shape national and local community and home-based care services and is now a leading organization in support of government establishment of palliative care in many countries.
In recognition of the importance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day October 11, FHI has created this special report to provide readers a sampling of the creative and effective palliative care support we provide.
| Cambodia |
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In Cambodia, FHI helps local agencies and government provide family-centered and community-based care and support. Integrated care and treatment services are offered in the same outpatient clinics for parents, caregivers, and children with HIV.
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| Ethiopia |
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A home-based care program in Ethiopia has reached 527,000 people since 2003, including almost 19,000 orphans and other vulnerable children.
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| Nepal |
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In Nepal, FHI supports an ambitious and pioneering community- and home-based palliative care program. Over 1,600 HIV-positive clients in Nepal receive palliative care services through 12 implementing agencies.
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| Papua New Guinea |
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In Papua New Guinea FHI is supporting a dramatic scale up of home-based palliative care services. Services are currently offered in 23 communities in the National Capital District and Central Province.
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| South Africa |
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In South Africa, FHI is carrying out a pilot program to integrate community palliative into the primary healthcare system through a family-centered approach.
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| Tanzania |
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In Tanzania, FHI is supporting community organizations to train volunteers to provide basic needs support to people living with HIV and AIDS, including orphans and other vulnerable children.
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| Vietnam |
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FHI supported development of Vietnam's national palliative care guidelines and is developing a certification program for physicians and nurses in palliative care.
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