Author: Anindita Rochili
Shem Ongori is a 54-year-old social worker and caregiver based in Kenya. We talked about his work with Vines Kenya, and how it affects the palliative care patients and community. As the people in this industry may have noticed, care knows no working hours. Caregivers and health workers are still ‘pushing’ to serve – even with frustration, including in times and cases when it is not always clear what to do. His patients are often from cancer survivor group(s). Shem also works with ‘mothers who are suffering’ – helping them with access to symptom management, encouraging them with emotional and spiritual support, referring them to existing facilities for clinical care and Advanced Care Planning (ACP). ‘Our strength is that we are able to train our community of volunteers to serve 20 households, to reach out to patients for their palliative care needs and screen (monitor) them until the end of their life.’
Effects of political instability
With political instability, Shem mentioned that lives of women and their families are affected in ways that may be irreversible, especially if not properly managed. Even when completely healthy, anyone whose access to basic needs and daily income are hindered would find life very challenging, and we were talking about women with cervical cancer, who may also lack the remedies or other possible options they require for their illness. ‘(With their conditions) they are discriminated against not only by society, but also their spouses. These women become demoralised and cannot live well.’ He came to the conclusion that these patients are under pressure, and one way to solve the problem, or break the cycle of the resulting financial issues, is by helping them earn the money they need. Watch an informative video on Palliative Care and poverty reduction on this link: Palliative care and poverty reduction – YouTube
Shem noticed the financial sustainability issues within communities, particularly among those who need support in palliative care, starting from food and basic needs. Along with Vines Kenya and other social workers, he provides support on a household level so that the families can generate the income e.g., to buy groceries, through starting a small business (within their comfort zone, such as selling small items and vegetables). First, they try to identify the immediate needs of the family. This step is useful to assess the economic situation and decide what is needed for them to live normally. Then they assist the family based on where their capital lies (e.g., adequate money) and how it can be utilised, or how to train them on necessary life skills (e.g., farming and gardening) that could empower them economically to buy essential items and pay for their medical bills (e.g., doctor’s appointments).
Keeping your passion alive
During cost-of-living protests, he added, their businesses were struggling, and they were looted. The caregivers continued working with their passion during different times and days, sometimes hybrid or remotely, to make sure the patients are well-managed. Currently, thankfully, the situation has improved. Shem added that the organisation collaborates with other caregivers, families, and local caregivers to get through difficult times. When asked about a message to the global palliative care community, he mentioned that there may be differences in how care is provided during crises and in humanitarian settings. However, by keeping one’s passion alive, for the providers around the world and Kenya, it is (always) possible to take care of the patients with quality palliative care.
‘With love, they will be okay and able to die happily.’ He added, as he smiled brightly.
