Physical Health Zimbabwe Project #24223

Island Hospice & Healthcare

by Island Hospice and Healthcare

Project Report | Mar 10, 2025
CHANGING LIVES THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED CARE

By Lovemore Mupaza | Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator

Island rural outreach clinic

Introduction and background

Island uses several models to deliver palliative and bereavement care services, namely (i) home-based care; (ii) hospital-based care iii) Rural and community outreach iv) Outreach Roadside clinic and (v) virtual consultations. The various models are tailor-made to suit the needs of patients and clients in different situations and settings.

Intervention and outcomes

From October 2024 through December 2024, Island delivered care to people grappling with life-threatening conditions and the bereaved. Island staff offered an array of mental wellness services, including bereavement support, trauma-focused debrief sessions, and the formation of partner loss support groups, all tailored to nurture the emotional well-being of clients. Island conducted training sessions and workshops to enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes in palliative and bereavement care across its branches and partner organizations. These included nurse aide training and caregiver module training, equipping participants with essential competencies to provide quality care.

Island led nationwide campaigns to educate the public on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of screening. November, now widely recognised for raising awareness of men's health issues, saw Island successfully conduct prostate screening. A key highlight of the month was the 9th edition of the Zimpapers Cancer Power Walk, held in November 2024. Participants gathered simultaneously in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Chinhoyi. The event was a remarkable success, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to raise awareness and funds for cancer prevention, treatment, and support. Through Hats on for PC, Island raised awareness of the need for children's palliative care and the work of children's palliative care services worldwide.

Between October and December 2024, Island provided care to 366 individuals (156 males and 210 females). The organisation recorded a total of 1,470 contacts with patients and clients. Virtual contacts remained a significant mode of service delivery, accounting for 728 interactions, followed by home visits (326) and office consultations (188). Additional contacts were made through hospital ward rounds (168), roadside clinics (42), and hospital visits (18).

The stories below demonstrate changes to patients’ and clients’ lives through Island’s interventions.

Story of Change 1: Stakeholder engagement saving teenage life

My daughter Tino (not real name) should have been in university by now, just like her friends. But in 2020, everything changed when she was diagnosed with fibrosis. Since then, our lives have been a constant struggle. We live in Dangamvura with her younger brother, and I have been raising them alone since their father passed away when Tino was just a toddler. As a self-employed woman, I do everything I can to provide for my children, but nothing prepared me for what was to come.

At first, Tino could still breathe freely and do things on her own. But as time went by, her condition worsened, and soon, she needed oxygen every single minute just to survive. I managed to buy an oxygen concentrator and installed solar power at home because of the frequent power cuts. But even then, during long outages and cold weather, the solar system would struggle, and I would worry—what if the power went out for too long? What if she couldn’t breathe?

Desperate for help, I turned to Island Hospice & Healthcare. When I explained our situation, they listened with so much care and understanding. One day, during a home visit, they saw for themselves how we were struggling. Our electricity wasn’t enough to keep the oxygen concentrator running, and the machine itself was no longer working properly. On top of that, we couldn’t travel to Harare for Tino’s hospital reviews because we had no portable oxygen tanks. I was at my breaking point.

But Island didn’t just listen—they took action. They reached out to Dangamvura Clinic, and by God’s grace, the sister-in-charge agreed to let us use the clinic’s electricity whenever there were power cuts. That alone was a huge relief! But they didn’t stop there. They searched everywhere for a portable oxygen tank, calling private hospitals, clinics, even Victoria Chitepo Hospital, but there was nothing available. Still, they didn’t give up. Finally, they approached BOC Gases, and because the manager knew Island’s work, he donated a 6.4kg filled oxygen tank for Tino. I could have cried. With that tank, my daughter had a reliable oxygen supply at home and could safely travel to Harare for her reviews.

Island also helped me get registered with the Department of Social Development, and I have been promised financial support to help ease our burden. I cannot express how much this means to me. Island didn’t just give us help—they gave us hope. They made sure my daughter could breathe, that we had somewhere to turn when things got tough, and that we weren’t alone in this journey.

This experience has shown me how important it is to have people who care. Island Hospice, BOC Gases, and even the Dangamvura Clinic all came together to make sure my daughter stays alive. I will forever be grateful for their kindness, their persistence, and the difference they have made in our lives.

Story of change 2: Meet the Good Samaritan of St. Peters: Themba Moyo

Themba Moyo (Not his real name) has dedicated decades of his life to serving his community. Beginning as a Home-Based Caregiver during the height of Zimbabwe's HIV/AIDS crisis in 2001, he later became a Village Health Worker and is now a Palliative Caregiver under the Supporting Older Persons Project. This initiative, implemented by Island Hospice and Healthcare in selected wards of Bulawayo and Marondera with support from an anonymous donor, aims to strengthen health systems through the training of healthcare professionals.

Themba, uses his extensive experience in community health to visit and care for patients in his village. Reflecting on his work, Themba shares: "Most of my patients are referred to me by families I have assisted before. It shows they trust and value my services."

Themba draws inspiration from the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, which shapes his compassionate approach to caregiving. "I help anyone in need, whether it's aiding recovery, providing comfort, or preparing patients and their families for the inevitable realities of death," he says.

Of all his years of service, working with older persons under the Supporting Older Persons Project stands out as a highlight in his career. He credits his palliative care training for changing how he approaches patient care.

"Palliative care training taught me to look beyond the physical ailments of patients," he explains. "It emphasizes the mental health, family dynamics, and environmental factors that influence recovery. I've seen patients improve without medication simply because their mental health was addressed."

Themba also notes the unique needs of older persons, stressing the importance of family relationships in improving health outcomes. “Older persons require extra care. We have seen their health improve simply by encouraging stronger bonds between them and their families."

Despite the rewards of his work, Themba notes pressing challenges.

"We need more resources, like bicycles for transportation, to reach patients efficiently. Food hampers would also make a huge difference. Some patients take longer to recover because there's no food at home," he laments.

Story of change 3: Finding Comfort and Closure

In 2020, Tsitsi (not real name), my mother, began experiencing a watery discharge, initially thought to be urine. A visit to Gutu Hospital and subsequent investigations, including a biopsy, confirmed cervical cancer. This diagnosis was devastating for our family, and while my siblings sought a second opinion, they eventually came to terms with the condition through the gynecologist’s explanation. However, my mother struggled to accept the diagnosis and refused medical interventions like radiotherapy or chemotherapy, opting instead for traditional herbs. By mid-2020, her health had deteriorated significantly, and the family convinced her to seek treatment. I moved with her to Harare for better access to medical care. At this stage, tension ran high in the family due to disagreements about her treatment. She felt excluded from decisions, and discussions about death and dying were fraught with fear and misunderstanding.

After learning about Island Hospice and Healthcare, we registered my mother for their services. The hospice team, consisting of a physician, nurses, and social workers, provided comprehensive palliative care. Initially, my mother was apprehensive about using morphine for pain relief, but the team dispelled her fears and misconceptions, leading her to embrace a pain-free lifestyle. The hospice facilitated in-depth family conferences, helping us resolve disagreements and ensuring my mother felt included in her care decisions. Psychosocial support from social workers played a crucial role in mending strained family relationships and strengthening our support system. The team also guided us in discussing sensitive topics like death and dying. This created a space for my mother to share her wishes and bucket list, which we tried to fulfil. They provided continuous support through her illness and bereavement services after her passing.

The intervention by Island Hospice transformed our journey as a family. My mother received expert pain management and emotional support, which improved her quality of life during her final days. Family tensions eased, and relationships were restored through open communication and mutual understanding. Tsitsi felt valued and included in her care decisions, and as a family, we grew comfortable discussing topics we previously avoided. This shift allowed us to fulfil some of her wishes and strengthen our bond. Even after her passing, the bereavement services offered by the hospice helped us cope with our grief and feel supported during the mourning process. The hospice's intervention not only alleviated my mother's suffering but also left a lasting impact on our family, teaching us the importance of compassion, communication, and holistic care. I wrote an appreciation letter to Island team to show my gratitude…

Dear Island Hospice Team

I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Island Hospice team for the exceptional support and care you provided to our mother during her illness. Your organization's dedication to delivering compassionate and comprehensive care is truly commendable. The medication and health support services you offered were invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your expertise and kindness. Your team's commitment to alleviating our mother's suffering and improving her quality of life was evident in every interaction. Your empathy, understanding and guidance helped our family navigate a challenging time. Please know that your efforts have made a lasting impact on our lives. We appreciate the time, effort and resources you invested in our mother's care. Thank you again for your outstanding support and care. You are truly making a difference in the lives of those you serve.

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Nov 8, 2024
Patients Care in Zimbabwe

By Lovemore Mupaza | Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Coordinator

Introduction and background
Island uses several models to deliver palliative and bereavement care services namely (i) home-based care; (ii) hospital-based care iii) Rural and community outreach iv) Outreach Roadside clinic and (v) virtual consultations. The various models are tailor made to suit the needs of patients and clients in different situations and settings.
Intervention and outcomes
From May 2024 through September 2024, Island delivered care to those grappling with life-threatening conditions and the bereaved. Island staff offered an array of mental wellness services, including bereavement support, trauma-focused debrief sessions, and the formation of partner loss support groups, all tailored to nurture the emotional well-being of clients. Furthermore, Island conducted several training sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing palliative care and bereavement services skills among health professionals in the public sector and those in the private sector.
Between May 2024 and September 2024, Island provided care to 456 (160 Males: 296 Females) patients, a marginal increase from 350 supported in the previous reporting period. The organization made 3316 caring contacts with patients and clients. This was an increase from 1768 contacts made in the previous reporting period. Virtual contacts (1350) continued to dominate Island’s means of delivering services followed by home visits (1010) and office contacts (316). Other contacts were made through hospital ward rounds (306), roadside clinics (239) and hospital visits (95)
The stories below demonstrate typical changes to patients’ and clients’ lives because of Island interventions.
Story of Change 1: Saved by Island
My name is Paida (Not real name) and I’m a 41-year-old mother of three. I live with my husband, daughters, and younger sister. I tested HIV positive in 2004 and have been under ARV treatment ever since. In February 2023, I was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Before that, I used to do buying and selling to support my family, while my husband worked as a security guard. However, after my cancer diagnosis, I fell into denial and chose to visit traditional healers for treatment. Unfortunately, my condition only worsened, and I was forced to stop my daily activities including going to work.

As the pain intensified and my health deteriorated, I abandoned the traditional medicine route, realising that my condition was growing worse with each day. Before Island Hospice came into my life, I was living in misery, caused by unbearable pain day and night. I felt lost. I was constantly crying and overwhelmed by one problem after another, with no idea where to turn for help. My marriage was on the verge of collapse, and my neighbours didn’t want to share the bathroom with me. My family was growing weary of my situation, and I was on the brink of losing hope. At that time, I had no idea how to manage my wounds, and the unanswered questions in my mind kept me awake at night, affecting both my mental and physical well-being. Despite the efforts of the herbalists, my pain continued to worsen.

In May 2023, a friend told me about local caregivers. I sent my daughter to ask for help, and the next day, an Island caregiver visited me. We talked for almost three hours, and I cried until there were no tears left because of the weight I was carrying. The caregiver then referred me to the nurses, who came to see me two days later. I shared my story with the nurse, and that same day, I received medication—co-codamol, amitriptyline, and bisacodyl. The nurse also spent time talking with me, and I began to feel relieved not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. My family also felt a sense of relief, as they had been confused and unsure of how to help me.

From that point on, my life began to change. I started doing sitz baths which involve sitting in warm water to cleanse and soothe the perineal area, helping to relieve my pain and discomfort, taking my medication daily, and openly talking with my family and relatives—things that seemed impossible before the Island team stepped in. My husband and I even began to discuss our marriage issues and found ways to resolve them together. My daughters started supporting me day and night, and even the attitude of my neighbors changed. Life is now much better and more meaningful than it was before.

Although I am still battling cancer, I am deeply grateful for the care I receive from the Island team—the caregivers, nurses, and social workers. Their support has truly transformed my life. I want to sincerely thank Island for the incredible work they are doing for patients like me. I hope they continue to provide the same support to all cancer patients in need.

Story of change 2: The power of cancer awareness sessions
My name is Chipo (Pseudo name), and I am 68 years old. I am a mother of five children, living with my husband, daughters, and a son in Mutare. My journey began in 2015 when I noticed lumps on my left breast. Initially, I dismissed it as a minor issue, but the lumps grew and became painful. I resorted to painkillers, which only provided temporary relief.
One day, at church, a nurse from Island Hospice gave a presentation on breast cancer. As she described the symptoms, I realised that they mirrored my own experience. Fear and denial gripped me. I left the church feeling both angry and scared, unwilling to accept that I might have a serious health issue. I isolated myself, avoiding church and family gatherings, and kept my condition hidden for four years.
By then, the lump had grown significantly and emitted an offensive smell. I could no longer hide it. Confiding in my daughters was one of the most difficult moments of my life. They were shocked and hurt that I had kept it from them. Despite my reluctance, they insisted on seeing a doctor. The diagnosis was grim: due to the delay, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery were no longer viable options.
My daughters registered me with Island Hospice. Initially uncomfortable, I found solace in their non-judgmental and supportive approach. The nurse gave me hope and made me feel understood. Encouraged by my family, I saw a specialist and began treatment. I felt a renewed sense of hope and normalcy.
With Island's support, I returned to church and reconnected with relatives. While my prognosis remains uncertain, I am no longer fearful. I follow treatment plans and live with acceptance of my condition. Island's impact on my life has been profound, and I advocate for their continued cancer awareness campaigns in churches and public spaces. Early detection and seeking medical help are crucial. Through Island Hospice, I found hope and support, enabling me to face my condition with courage and dignity.

Story of change 3: I benefitted from an integrated set of services

I live with my husband and two children in a suburb of Marondera. My eldest, a boy in Form 3, and my youngest, a girl in Form 1, are both crucial parts of my life. In December 2023, my life changed dramatically when I suffered a stroke. The stroke left me with significant challenges, including difficulties with mobility, speech, and performing daily tasks. The impact was both physical and emotional, and living with this new reality was tough for our family. My husband and I couldn’t afford professional help, which meant my young daughter had to step in to care for me. Her days became a whirlwind of responsibilities: helping me walk, assisting me in the bathroom, bathing me, and changing my clothes. The physical and emotional strain on her was immense.
One day, a lifeline appeared in the form of a Community Home Based Caregiver (CHBC) from Island Hospice and Healthcare (Island). She introduced herself and explained that she could offer support tailored to our needs. She was a beacon of hope, and I eagerly agreed to register with Island. Island provided much-needed assistance in several key areas. They enrolled my daughter in their young carers program, which equipped her with essential skills and knowledge to manage my care more effectively. This program was a game-changer for us, offering her both practical guidance and emotional support.
I also benefited greatly from sessions with a social worker provided by Island. These counseling sessions were instrumental in helping me cope with the psychological aspects of my stroke. I had been isolated and withdrawn, struggling to accept my condition. The support helped me reconnect with my family, improve my communication, and even find joy in moments I had thought lost.
Another crucial aspect of Island’s support was the provision of medication. The stroke had left me with chronic pain and discomfort, and affording the necessary medication was a significant burden. Island’s assistance in this area was a relief, as the medication helped manage my pain and improved my mobility. I began to walk with less support and handle daily tasks with more independence.
The benefits of Island’s support extended to my children as well. My son, who had previously been difficult, refusing to help with chores, and even stealing money, began to change. The young carers program not only supported my daughter but also influenced my son positively. He started assisting more around the house and demonstrated improved behavior. My daughter’s education from the program helped bridge the gap between them, fostering a more cooperative family dynamic.
I am deeply grateful to Island for their unwavering support. Their assistance has made a profound difference in my life, both physically and emotionally. My hope is to fully recover and return to work so I can contribute to our family’s well-being. I am eager to regain my independence and handle things on my own without relying on others for help.

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Jul 9, 2024
Caring for the Older Persons in Zimbabwe

By Lovemore Mupaza | Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Co-ordinator

Introduction and background Island Hospice and Healthcare (Island) uses several models to deliver palliative care services namely (i) home-based care; (ii) hospital-based care iii) Rural and community outreach iv) Roadside services (v) therapeutic and comprehensive bereavement care, including for children; and (vi) capacity-building for doctors, nurses, community caregivers and others. The therapeutic and comprehensive bereavement care is tailored to support individuals through their grief, catering to both adults and children affected by loss. This service is inclusive, addressing the needs of those mourning a variety of losses, from patients who were in Island’s care to sudden, unexpected events such as car accidents, suicides, or heart attacks. Intervention and outcomes In Marondera and Bulawayo, Island delivered an internal savings and lending (ISAL) scheme for older persons with a view to strengthen their income generating capacity, increase access to medication and improve access to food. From February 2024 through April 2024, Island delivered care to those grappling with life-threatening conditions and extended a supportive hand to the bereaved. Island staff offered an array of mental wellness services, including bereavement support, trauma-focused debrief sessions, and the formation of partner loss support groups, all tailored to nurture the emotional well-being of clients. Furthermore, Island spearheaded a series of trainings and workshops aimed at enhancing the proficiency and empathy of palliative and bereavement care among staff and external organisations. Between February 2024 and April 2024, Island provided care to 350 (129 Males: 221 Females) patients, a marginal increase from 331 supported in the previous reporting period. Patients and clients were cared for through 1,768 contacts, a marginal decrease from 1778 contacts made in the previous quarter. Virtual contacts (794) continued to dominate Island’s means of delivering services followed by home visits (460) and office contacts (217). Other contacts were made through hospital ward rounds (117), roadside clinics (54) and hospital visits (91) and roadside clinics (89).

The two stories below demonstrate typical changes to people’s lives because of Island interventions:-

. Story of Change 1: The magic of Internal Saving and lending scheme (ISAL) We started our internal saving and lending scheme (ISAL) group of 10 members on 28 April 2023. The group was formed after receiving ISAL training from Island and we were driven by the need to sustain our livelihoods as Older Persons (OPs). The training equipped us with the knowledge to raise monthly subscriptions and meeting our daily basic needs such as food, clothing and catering for our grandchildren’s education. We also learnt on standing on our own, without relying heavily to our children for financial support. As a group we agreed to start with US$5-00 subscription per person per month. The money was supposed to be borrowed by members of the group and returned with 20% interest. We agreed as a group that everyone should borrow the money to increase our profits. All individuals were encouraged to use the money for business, to start small Income Generating Activity (IGA) which would enable one to contribute monthly as well as cater for their household needs. In August 2023, we took money from our savings and bought 50 layers. Island equipped us with the knowledge on raising these birds. They started laying eggs in December 2023 and currently we collect 30 eggs per day being sold at US4-00 per crate. We also decided to expand our business in November 2023, we were supported by Island Hospice with 51 broilers, 1 bag of Starter, 1 bag of Grower, 2 bags of Finisher and a stress pack. Through the knowledge we had acquired from Island, we only recorded 2 deaths from the 50 birds we received. We managed to sell all the birds at US7-00 and made an income of US343-00 and we decided to put a second batch of broilers which is currently on 5th week, and we are looking forward to starting to sell them in the following week. Formation of this group has proved to be a great idea that we never dreamt of as it has immensely improved our livelihoods. The money that we have saved has been used to cater for our medication, food and education expenses for children under our care. We are planning to diversify our business and start a grocery shop to increase our profits. These achievements we have made as a group have made us realise the importance of having a savings group.

Story of change 2: I am ready to fight cancer My name is Chipo (Pseudo name) and I am a lady aged 38 years old. I am married and stay with my husband. We were blessed with two children. In October 2023 I noticed a small lump in my right breast. At first, I did not take it seriously as I thought it will disappear on its own. But after one month I discovered that the lump is growing bigger and bigger. It now started to worry me, but I tried to brush it from my mind. After some times of sleepless nights, I then decided to go to see my doctor. My husband accompanied me to the doctor and the doctor took a biopsy and I was told to wait for two weeks until results came out. After two weeks of long waiting, I went back to the doctor for the results and that is where the problem started. I felt that my world is crushing on me. The doctor told me that I have cancer of breast stage 2. The doctor had some counselling sessions with me and my husband, but it did not make any sense at all as my mind was overwhelmed. The doctor then referred us to go to Island Hospice and Health Care. We waited for two more weeks before we went to Island Hospice offices as referred because I was thinking of other options like herbs or going to the traditional healers. My family decided to ignore to go to hospital, but my husband and I decided to try what the doctor had said though we were even not sure of the idea. My husband and I then decided to go to Island Hospice. When we arrived, we were welcomed by smiling faces of Island staff. We did a counselling session with the social worker. My husband and I started receiving counselling session from the social worker I then started accepting the condition. The social worker then referred me to the nurse. The nurse encouraged me to follow all the treatment modalities as I was hesitating due to fears I had about chemotherapy. Island team keep on encouraging me to adhere to treatment. Surgery was done and it was successful, the nurse visited me whilst I was admitted in hospital. The support I got from Island team keeps me and my husband going. The team keep on visiting me at home and sometimes phoning me and my husband. Currently I am waiting for my chemotherapy session, and I am not afraid of the session as I am already told of the expectations of the procedure. It was through Island team that made me and my husband strong and going. I will be starting my chemotherapy sessions very soon and I am not afraid of the session as I know that I have the full support from my family and Island team. The team helped me to face reality and be able to move forward.

Island continue to provide care to vulnerable members of the society in Zimbabwe.

Attachments:

Older Person in Internal Savings & Lending Scheme (DOCX)

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