Direct Relief International Increases Aid

In 2007, Direct Relief International of Santa Barbara, California, initiated its hospice program through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initial contribution of palliative medicines and supplies was made that year to six hospice programs in South Africa, with the main warehouse distribution point being in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Plans are now underway to expand the South African program to the hospices in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa.

Direct Relief International also has committed to supporting the hospice and palliative care program in Zimbabwe, initiated in 2008 by FHSSA and Island Hospice, through which service expansion will occur in 16 rural areas. In early 2008, an initial shipment was made to support Island Hospice and Seke Rural Hospice. In November, another full container shipment of palliative medicines and supplies was made to support Island, Seke, and the multiple sites of the United Methodist Church health care system that are participating in the service expansion.

In addition, because of the acute shortage of all medicines in Zimbabwe, Direct Relief also air lifted an emergency shipment of medicines and supplies. FHSSA, and all its African partners, are deeply appreciated of the major support and relief efforts being made by Direct Relief International for the hospice movement in Africa.

Adapted with permission from the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa website, February 2009.

To learn more, please visit http://www.FHSSA.org.