The Association of Kenyan Insurers (AKI) has donated KShs 100,000 to the Nairobi Hospice to support the provision of care and support to patients and families threatened with life-limiting illnesses that includes cancer and HIV/AIDS.

The cheque presentation was made to Dr Brigid Sirengo, the Chief Executive of the Nairobi Hospice by Mr Tom Gichuhi, the AKI Executive Director. The ED was flanked by Mr Moses Kimani, a member of the Board of Directors and CEO of Pioneer Insurance Company.

"Supporting the Nairobi Hospice is very important to AKI and the insurance industry at large. Over the years, we have continued to assist the Nairobi Hospice to achieve their mission of alleviating suffering in patients with life-limiting illnesses," Gichuhi said.

The ED said AKI will seek similar opportunities to build strong relationships through enhanced civic education campaigns aimed at increasing the understanding and uptake of insurance products.

Gichuhi said the local insurance market has numerous products and services that are not only affordable but could have a big impact on the livelihoods of policy holders. "We hope that the funds will go a long way in supporting them to reach their goals in the long run" added Gichuhi.

A registered charitable non-profit making organization, Nairobi Hospice is the first of its kind in East Africa, offering medical and health advisory services on out-patient basis, in hospitals and at patients' homes.

In her remarks after receiving the cheque, Dr Sirengo said Nairobi Hospice was glad that AKI had shown a commitment in ensuring family members and care-givers were adequately trained to manage patients so as to ensure sustained comfort and continuity of care.

"We are working towards establishing a strong financial base to guarantee independence and sustainability. The patient and family centered approach by our staff ensures that patients are not only comfortable and happy but also feel valued and appreciated despite their conditions" Dr Sirengo said.

The Nairobi Hospice provides clinical care, counseling, bereavement, spiritual care and holistic care to patients and their families. It also offers counseling to patients and their families depending on the matter at hand e.g. bereavement and spiritual care to empower them to face the situation positively and to prepare for any eventuality.

The facility also boasts of highly qualified doctors who provide clinical care by managing distress symptoms like excruciating pain commonly found in patients with life limiting illnesses.

Other than the provision of medical and advisory services, the Nairobi Hospice trains volunteers to fully appreciate and understand palliative care and aspirations of patients and families.