For over 20 years, I’ve seen firsthand how specialized palliative care transforms the lives of children with life-limiting illnesses. Yet, in South Africa, too few healthcare professionals receive the training they need to provide this essential care.
The Urgent Need for Palliative Care Training
Thousands of children in South Africa require expert pain management, emotional support, and holistic care—but many doctors and nurses lack formal training in pediatric palliative care. Without this knowledge, families often hear, “there’s nothing more we can do.” But palliative care is not about giving up—it’s about ensuring quality of life for every child.
What Healthcare Professionals Need to Learn:
- Managing Complex Symptoms – Eg. Relieving pain, nausea, and breathing difficulties.
- Communication & Family Support – Having difficult conversations with sensitivity.
- End-of-Life Care & Bereavement –- Providing dignity, comfort, and guidance.
Building a Stronger System
At Paedspal, we train doctors, nurses, social workers and caregivers to integrate palliative care into everyday paediatric medicine. Many of Paedspal’s employees also teach on UCT’s Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Palliative Care and work with PatchSA- our national children’s palliative care network. Together are equipping professionals to change how seriously ill children are cared for across South Africa.
How You Can Help
- Advocate for palliative care training in medical education
- Support Paedspal’s training programs
- Encourage healthcare professionals to seek learning opportunities in Paediatric Palliative Care.
By investing in training, we ensure that no child suffers unnecessarily, no family faces this journey alone, and that paediatric palliative care becomes a