Disease and epidemics can cause death, and to, at the very least, relieve suffering prior to death, African governments need to invest in infrastructure and systems and set up truly national and equitable palliative care access.
Research conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has estimated that 800,000 children in South Africa are in need of palliative care with fewer than five percent getting it. Experts believe that figure is closer to one million today.