'Grandmother' legacy lives on

HOME VISITS: UGANDA'S HOSPICE HELPS TO TRANSFORM AFRICAN END-OF-LIFE CARE

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In a small home in Uganda's capital, Jane Mwesige, a nurse with a hospice that has transformed African end-of-life care, breaks into a gospel song about surrendering to God, a favorite of her patient Jonathan Luzige.

These home visits, combining affordable medical care and spiritual support, are part of Mwesige's routine with Hospice Africa Uganda.

Founded in 1993 by Dr. Anne Merriman, it brought holistic end-of-life care to Uganda at a time when it was offered in only three African countries.

By the time Merriman died in May this year, aged 90, she had treated more than 40,000 Ugandans and her model had spread to 37 countries on the continent.

In his worn-brick home, Luzige's colon cancer makes it difficult to move, but he eagerly joins in the singing.

"I feel very happy and it made me feel stronger knowing there are people who are able to care for me," said Luzige.