800 million people live in Africa, a continent which covers 22% of the world's surface and encompasses some 50 countries. Conflict, poverty, endemic diseases, and lack of clean water pose serious challenges for the population, made worse by a rampaging AIDS pandemic. Huge loss of life has impacted dramatically on both health systems and social and family structures. As the attention of the world focused increasingly on Africa, the International Observatory on End of Life Care was commissioned to conduct a timely review of hospice and palliative care development across the continent. The Observatory undertook this review using an approach specially designed for resource poor settings. Information was collected against an agreed template to allow comparisons between countries and regions. As a result, an insight is given into the challenges, opportunities and successes faced by hospice and palliative care workers, country by country, throughout the 26 countries in Africa where a palliative care initiative is underway. Strategies and models of care are explored, and the development of palliative care is viewed from various standpoints including ethnographic, historical, ethnic, demographic and epidemiological perspectives. This is the first comprehensive reference focusing exclusively on palliative care and hospice development in Africa, and makes fascinating reading.

About the Author
David Clark is the author of OUP's two published volumes on the life of Cicely Saunders (her Selected Writings, and Selected Letters) Michael Wright was born in the north-of-England industrial town of Castleford in 1944. His studies have included theology (BA) education (MSc) and the spiritual dimension of health care (PhD). He trained for the Anglican ministry at Wells Theological College and was ordained in 1967. During a varied working life, he has held the positions of parish priest, secondary school head teacher, hospital chaplain and senior research fellow. Since 2001, he has focused on the global analysis of hospice care and spiritual needs at the end of life. In 2003 he co-founded the International Observatory on End of Life Care (Lancaster University) with Professor David Clark, the Observatory's director.

Reviews
This is the first comprehensive reference work focusing exclusively on palliative care a hospice development in Africa. it will be of importance to activists, grant makers, service providers, researchers, and others interested in health care innovations in Africa. It will also appeal to health care professionals interested in ethics, healthcare systems, and development within an international context, as well as to policy makers and planners. * CABI *
...this is a very interesting review of the developments in hospice care in Africa and is a great addition to this area. It provides a thorough background in current challenges and opportunities for service providers, researchers and donors, among many others. It could inspire and generate more research in this area in the near future. * Journal of Advanced Nursing, *
As the available literature in palliative care provision from Africa is very limited, the data offered within this book provide valuable information for individuals already involved in palliative care and those studying palliative care in developing countries. * Journal of Advanced Nursing, *
Wright and Clark's inspiring book is a much-needed addition to the largely neglected area of palliative care research in Africa. It provides a thorough background in current challenges and opportunities for key stakeholders, including service providers, researchers, and donors among many others. Let us hope that the next review of palliative care across Africa will show an increased accessibility for care. * Lancet *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199206803
Author Michael Wright
Format Paperback
Page Count 528
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 905g
Dimensions(mm) 244mm * 171mm * 27mm