12 Oct 2023

The commemoration of the World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD) offers an opportunity to raise awareness on the role that hospice and palliative care play in helping people live well, with dignity and independence after being impacted by life-limiting incidents such as illness.

According to the Public Health Specialist for Southern region Dr Christopher Chembe this year’s commemoration, held in Kanye today under the theme: Compassionate Communities: Together for Palliative Care, puts emphasis on the need to come together to support the affected and their caregivers by raising communities who appreciate and support the role that palliative care plays in the lives of those who need it.

“With this year’s WHPC commemoration day, we would celebrate palliative care, demonstrating its importance and ensuring that everyone has access to it, regardless of where they reside, their age, or their background,” Dr Chembe said in interview on Wednesday.

He said there was urgent need for people to support the principles of compassionate care and help advocate for better access to hospice and palliative care services to allow the terminally-ill to lead dignified lives.

“It is a day where people who have been impacted by a life-limiting illness either personally or by supporting a loved one make their voices heard by asking policy makers to pay attention to the need to prioritise palliative care policies and services.” Dr Chembe said.

He stated that the Assistant Minister of Health Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe will officiate at the event. As a precursor to the commemoration the District Health Management Team (DHMT) hosted a dinner Wednesday evening to honour community-based volunteers for the role they play in the management of home-based care patients. Ends