“Kilifi County Referral Hospital has received PPE. Thank you KEHPCA for your continued support.”
Those are some of the words that keep us going at Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA). They give us a reason to wake up every morning to do what we do. Africa has over 2,000,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and almost 50,000 deaths; infections and deaths make up less than four percent of the global total. In Kenya, the caseload has risen to over 74,000. Some doctors say they cannot afford the treatment they administer to COVID-19 patients, yet many work while dangerously exposed without protection.
KEHPCA with the help of True Colours Trust was able to donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Without their support, this donation would not have been achievable. We were able to donate PPE countrywide to palliative care providers. These include free-standing hospices, hospices, and palliative care units in the rural community, mission hospitals with palliative care units, Ministry of Health facilities, and private facilities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to surpass the healthcare system’s capacity to provide intensive care to all patients who deteriorate as a result of the disease. This poses a unique challenge to healthcare teams of rationing care during a pandemic when resources are scarce. Healthcare providers will need to be properly equipped in order to take care of patients more so those who need palliative care in the midst of a pandemic.” Dr. Zipporah Ali – Executive Director, Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (KEHPCA).
Here are some of the words from the recipients of PPE as they expressed their gratitude from different parts of Kenya.
“PPEs well received from KEHPCA. They came in handy in our time of need. Thanks, KEHPCA. With a national institution like this, I believe, my dear colleagues, we can go very far. Let us support KEHPCA in its endeavour to support us!” – Dr. John Weru – Aga Khan Hospital, Chairman KEHPCA Board.
“Maua Methodist Hospital received PPE donation from KEHPCA today. We are so grateful for this donation that will go a long way in care provision during this COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Thank you KEHPCA, we received the PPE at Garissa County Referral Hospital. This will help us protect ourselves and the patients/clients as we provide care. Asante sana.”
“Iten hospital palliative care unit received PPE’s, thanks KEHPCA for the support. The PPEs have come at a time when we need them most.”
“Living Room International has received PPEs. Asante sana. Thank you for supporting us always.”
“Team Vihiga County Referral Hospital appreciates this kind of support from KEHPCA. Items received in good condition. May God bless you.”
“Homabay County Teaching and Referral Hospital receiving PPEs from KEHPCA at the palliative care unit. Thanks, KEHPCA for the support.”
KEHPCA exists to promote and support acceptable, accessible, and affordable quality palliative care for individuals and families by creating networks of informed and empowered institutions in Kenya. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Persons Living with Palliative Care Needs (PLWPCNs) receive the care and treatment they deserve. Palliative care is everyone’s business.
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