First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has appealed to healthcare service providers in the country to include palliative care, including cancer management, as part of primary healthcare packages offered to Kenyans.
Speaking on Friday during the opening and launching of Kenya’s first Palliative Care Policy at the Nairobi Hospice, First Lady said provision of palliative care, which she termed as a human right, would help lower the nation’s disease burden.
“Palliative care is recognised as a human right, because of the rising burden of non-communicable diseases that have caused life-limiting illnesses to millions of people globally. It requires creation of systems and adaptation of how we deliver healthcare,” she said.
She noted palliative care was crucial in restoring dignity and providing love and comfort in difficult times of ill-health.
“I urge that this cadre of health care givers are incorporated into palliative care training in order to build their skills in supporting patients and families in home settings.”
Once again, the First Lady championed increased involvement of community health workers in the provision of palliative care through training and capacity building.
The opening comes ahead of this year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day that will be marked tomorrow under the theme, “Leave no one behind; Equity in access to palliative care.”
Kenyatta has challenged decision makers in Kenya’s health sector to ensure the services are available across the country.
