Assessment of the need for palliative care for children in South Africa

UNICEF and the International Children's Palliative Care Network undertook a joint analysis in three sub-Saharan countries-Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Kenya-to estimate the palliative care need among their children and to explore these countries' capacities to deliver children's palliative care (CPC). This report concerns the findings from South Africa. The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data obtained from primary and secondary sources. CPC need was estimated using prevalence and mortality statistics. The response to the need and existing gaps were analysed using data obtained from a literature review, interviews with key persons, and survey data from service providers. The findings show very limited CPC service coverage for children in the public sector. In addition, services are mainly localised, with minimal reach. Less than 5% of the children needing care in South Africa are receiving it, with those receiving it being closer to the end of life. Barriers to the delivery of CPC include fear of opioid use, lack of education on CPC, lack of integration into the primary care system, lack of policies on CPC, and lack of community and health professional awareness of CPC needs and services. Estimating the need for CPC is a critical step in meeting the needs of children with life-threatening conditions and provides a sound platform to advocate for closure of the unacceptably wide gaps in coverage.