Caring for a child with a life-limiting illness can be overwhelming. Many families face stigma, isolation and a lack of understanding from the community. In Kwale County, Kenya, fathers often feel unsure of how to help, or are hesitant to get involved due to cultural expectations. This can leave mothers carrying most of the caregiving responsibilities alone.
Hospice Care Kenya is working to change this. Our community-based project is supporting fathers to take an active role in caring for their children while building stronger, more supportive communities.
Why this project matters
Children living with conditions like cerebral palsy, cancer and sickle cell disease deserve care, comfort and a chance to thrive. Families need guidance, support and understanding to navigate these challenges.
This project focuses on:
Encouraging fathers to embrace their caregiving role
Reducing stigma and challenging harmful myths about childhood illness
Connecting families to local health services
Improving quality of life for children and their loved ones
By working through community health volunteers and community leaders, the project ensures support reaches the families who need it most.
What we’ve achieved so far
Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, the project has already made a real difference:
Training and community engagement
190 people have been trained in awareness of childhood illness and home-based care, including fathers, community health volunteers and community leaders
80 community health volunteers are now helping families access care, reducing stigma and providing ongoing support
Regular community dialogues with local leaders are promoting acceptance and understanding
Support for children and families
58 children with palliative care needs are now receiving care and support
Monthly peer-led support groups are helping fathers share experiences and learn together
Day-care sessions are providing safe spaces for children and parents
Changing lives
Fathers who were once unsure of how to support their children are now actively involved. Families are seeking help earlier, reducing pain and improving quality of life.
One father of a child with cerebral palsy shared:
“I did not want to be associated with disability because my family said my child was bewitched. Now I understand that cerebral palsy is a health condition and not a curse.”
Another father said:
“I thought I was the only one with a differently abled child till I attended the peer support group. I hated to discuss my child with anyone because I thought they were just laughing at me. I’m glad that we can share and learn openly during the support group meetings.”
How you can help
Projects like this are only possible because of supporters like you. By helping us train more fathers, provide home visits and run peer support groups, you can ensure that more children and families in Kwale County live with dignity, comfort and hope.
Every story we share is thanks to the generosity of people who care. Together, we’re helping families feel less alone and giving children the care they deserve. Please donate today.
Juma, pictured above with his mother and nurse, lives with a rare skin condition and skin cancer. The care the family has received under this project has helped them to understand and accept Juma’s condition, and helped them cope with his treatment. Read Juma’s story here.