Covid-19: Palliative care needed now more than ever

As Covid-19 infections and deaths increase in South Africa, the need for palliative care has become more apparent. Tiyese Jeranji spoke to specialists and a family about the challenges they face in accessing and providing palliative care services during the pandemic.

Looking after her terminally ill child has at times brought Ningi Mfeka from Amanzimtoti in Durban to her knees but his doctors have been her saving grace, she says.

“The load has been made very light. They constantly call me and check on my son. They ensure that we always go for my son’s appointment and just continue to be there and support us,” she says.