Wednesday 14 October 2015

Alan Faustino - Hospice Care - Africa

Alan Faustino is a Hispanic doctor of internal medicine that worked for many years providing hospice care for patients. The hospice has an ancient history in society, but is actually a more modern invention, one that has developed all the way back to the 11th century to become what it is today. Because of the relatively recent development of hospice care, it has developed differently in countries across the world.

Alan Faustino

In Africa for instance, they did not experience a hospice movement for many years. It began in the 80s, when the first hospice would be opened in Harare, Zimbabwe. Though the medical community of the area was skeptical, the movement would take hold and in 87, the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa was formed. By the 90s, Nairobi Hospice opened in Kenya. By 06, South Africa joined 34 other countries that offered integrated palliative care.

South Africa has become a beacon of hope for the hospice community, offering widespread services that focus on many needs, extending to orphans and the homeless. This even includes a daycare, in-patient care, and at home care. More than half of the hospice patients in South Africa are diagnosed with AIDS, while many others have varying forms of cancer. This has led to a greater need for hospice and generally increased the development of them in the area. Much of the hospice care is supported by funding for AIDS relief plans.

Alan Faustino is a professional hospice doctor that has seen the discipline grow over the years.