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 info@paedspal.org.za 

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Creating Change for Children and Families

Advocacy & Awareness

At Paedspal, we believe that every child facing a life-limiting or life-threatening illness deserves comfort, dignity, and compassionate care — no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.

Advocacy and awareness are central to our work. In South Africa, many families are still unaware that paediatric palliative care exists, or how early support can improve their child’s quality of life. Too often, children miss out on vital care simply because their families don’t know where to turn.

We are committed to changing this.

Raising Awareness in Our Communities

We work directly with communities to improve understanding of paediatric palliative care and reduce the stigma around serious childhood illness.

Through outreach programmes, workshops, media engagement, and digital platforms, we help families to:

  • Understand what paediatric palliative care is

  • Access support earlier in their journey

  • Feel confident in asking for help

  • Know they are not alone

By sharing information and real stories, we empower families to seek the care their children deserve.

Strengthening Public Healthcare Support

Paedspal partners with public hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals to improve access to specialised palliative care services.

We support healthcare teams through:

  • Training and skills development

  • Improved referral systems

  • Collaborative care planning

  • Family-centred support models

Our goal is to help make paediatric palliative care an integrated part of South Africa’s healthcare system.

Working Together with Healthcare Partners

Strong partnerships allow us to reach more children and families across the country.

We collaborate with hospices, NGOs, medical professionals, and academic institutions to:

  • Share knowledge and best practice

  • Strengthen service delivery

  • Expand care into underserved areas

  • Build sustainable support networks

Many members of our clinical team also contribute part-time to the University of Cape Town’s Paediatric Palliative Care division, strengthening the link between academic research, clinical training, and frontline care.

Advocating for Better Policies and Funding

Lasting change requires strong policies and long-term investment.

Paedspal plays an active role in shaping the future of paediatric palliative care in South Africa. Our CEO serves on the Provincial Palliative Care Task Team and is a member of the Paediatric Expert Review Committee, which advises government at a national level on the essential medicines required for effective palliative care.

Through ongoing engagement with policymakers and healthcare authorities, we advocate for:

  • Greater recognition of paediatric palliative care

  • Improved funding and resources

  • National standards of care

  • Children’s rights to quality healthcare

By giving a voice to vulnerable children and families, we help build a more compassionate and responsive healthcare system.

Building Knowledge Through Research and Learning

Paedspal is committed to strengthening paediatric palliative care through research, evidence, and continuous learning.

We are actively working towards developing formal research programmes in partnership with leading institutions, including King’s College London and the University of Cape Town’s Paediatric Palliative Care division.

These collaborations will support:

  • Evidence-based improvements in care

  • Better understanding of local healthcare needs

  • Innovation in service delivery

  • Stronger training and development for healthcare professionals

By investing in research, we ensure that our advocacy and services are informed by the best available knowledge and global best practice.

Engaging Corporates and Communities

Businesses, donors, and community leaders play a powerful role in driving awareness and social change.

We work with corporate partners and supporters to:

  • Promote paediatric palliative care within their networks

  • Support awareness and fundraising campaigns

  • Participate in advocacy initiatives

  • Help build a culture of care and compassion

Every partnership strengthens our voice and expands our impact.

Our Commitment

Advocacy is not just about speaking up — it is about creating real change where it matters most.

Paedspal is committed to building a future where:

  • Every family knows where to find support

  • Every child receives compassionate care

  • No one faces serious illness alone

  • Palliative care is recognised as essential healthcare

Through awareness, collaboration, research, and advocacy, we continue to work towards a South Africa where every child can live with comfort, dignity, and love.