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June 28-29, 2019 | Oslo, Norway
Volume 08
Journal of Medical and Health Sciences | ISSN : 2319-
Breast Pathology and Cancer, Gynecology and Obstetrics Pathology, Palliativecare and Gerontology 2019
Joint Event
Breast Pathology & Cancer
Palliativecare & Gerontology
Gynecology and Obstetrics Pathology
An international perspective in caregiving in Africa
Jude Chibuike Kanu
Noble Hearts Care Foundation, Nigeria.
C
aregiving is not a common term in Africa. No one talks about caregiving in Africa even though it is
taking place on behalf of children, disabled and the elderly. Africans are yet to realize that anyone who
is involved in providing care is a caregiver. Being a professional caregiver in Africa, the author saw the need
to advocate for the people in my society who are incapacitated especially the elderly. Unfortunately, the
journey has not been easy as so many factors affect the job or caregiving in Africa; from cultural believes,
government neglect, caregiver burn out, poverty, security problems, and religious believes. In 2016, when
author was posted to a rural community in Rivers State of Nigeria, the author realized that no attention is
given to the elderly in our society, no care plans, no assisted living facilities or care homes, no retirement
benef its or assistance. There has been increased untimely death among the elderly in Nigeria and Africa due
to lack of the above. You can simply put that Africans do not age well especially those who cannot afford
to travel abroad. The focus should be in Africa to rekindle hope for the elderly and everyone that needs
assistance with the activities of daily living by advocating for care plans for the elderly in Africa so that
people will no longer be afraid of getting old. Nanny agencies exist but those that operate such agencies
are more concerned with making money and pay no attention to the quality of caregivers that they employ
to people’s homes. Hence the increasing rate of abuse, neglect and irresolvable misunderstanding. Africa
needs investors and government to look into the care industry for a total overhauling and revolution. Assisted
living facilities and care communities should be established at least in every states of every country in Africa.
Retirement plans should be put in place and caregiver institutes/colleges should be established to produce
new generations of African caregivers.
RRJMHS 2019, Volume 08