Volunteering in hospice and palliative care in Africa

Abstract

Volunteering in hospice and palliative care in Africa occurs in existing cultures of care for the sick by families and their communities. The high burden of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa further accelerated the development and involvement of volunteers in the delivery of hospice and palliative care services, as well as other health services. Similar to the Alma Ata Declaration which recognizes the importance of community members in the provision of primary health care, the World Health Assembly resolution on palliative care recognizes the role of volunteers in services. Volunteers are integral to palliative care teams and can help address the human resources crisis in health care systems in Africa. Various models for volunteering have emerged, each with unique characteristics. Different terminologies are also used to describe volunteering in hospice and palliative care, although the roles of volunteers are very similar.