Mbabane – The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated two pre-owned cars to Hospice at Home and Hope House to bolster their palliative care services in Eswatini. The vehicles were officially handed over today to representatives from both organizations. Hospice at Home Patron HRH Inkhosikati LaNgangaza was represented by HRH Princess Temtsimba, while Father Sandile Mswane accepted on behalf of Hope House. Also in attendance was the Ministry of Health Under Secretary, Anthony Masilela.
WHO Representative Dr. Susan Tembo, in her remarks, described palliative care as an essential element of Universal Health Coverage, underscoring its importance for individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as cancer, advanced HIV, heart disease, and more.
“For organizations like Hospice at Home, reliable transport is a lifeline,” Dr. Tembo said. “Without vehicles, critical care services, including nurse visits, medication delivery, and support for families, can be delayed or missed altogether. These vehicles are a key enabler in extending services to more communities.”
Addressing Hope House, Dr. Tembo referred to the donation as “wheels of compassion” that would help carry patients from hospital to hospice and back home. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that distance does not prevent patients from receiving the care they need.
The WHO Country Office collaborated with Eswatini’s Ministry of Health for the donation, with the intention of improving patient access to consistent and safe care. Dr. Tembo also noted that WHO does not deliver services directly but partners with local governments and organizations like Hospice at Home and Hope House to achieve its goals. She concluded by expressing that such collaborations, involving government, faith-based organizations, and international agencies, are crucial to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing care.
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