Centre Espoir d'Eux – The Hospice

The hospice was opened in early 2002. At the beginning, there was neither electricity nor running water. For months, work was carried out by the light of paraffin lamps, and the water required had to be sourced externally.

Originally, the centre was called the “End-of-Life Hospice”. Hundreds of poor people came here to spend their final days – mostly young mothers infected with AIDS, bringing along their also-infected children. Their husbands were either already deceased or had abandoned them. The children were left behind. The mothers were promised that they would be cared for – allowing them to say goodbye in peace and die with dignity.

At that time, AIDS was a death sentence; today, thanks to modern therapies, the disease has become chronic. Those who get tested early can continue to live with the appropriate medication and have a future.

Today, our hospice is a place of refuge. We take in elderly and severely disabled people whom no one can or wants to care for. The often degrading life that many of these impoverished people are forced to lead is unacceptable to us. Here, they find care, security, and sometimes a few more precious years – until they can say goodbye with dignity and love.

We also support adults and children with end-stage cancer. Most arrive very late, when their bodies are already affected by metastases. In a public hospital, they could die, but often they cannot afford it. We strive to provide them with a dignified environment and loving care in their final days.

The hospice has 20 beds. The team mainly consists of nurses, cooks, childcare workers, and security guards. One of our three doctors makes daily rounds.