International Partnership to Support Tanzania

Since 2009, Gilchrist has proudly partnered with the Palliative Care Program of the Nkoaranga Lutheran Hospital in northern Tanzania through Global Partners in Care, joining hands across continents to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to those facing serious illness.

Support to Our Partner Hospice

Our international partnership is sponsored by Global Partners in Care. This partnership helps support end-of-life care in developing countries. The Gilchrist and Nkoaranga partnership is one of more than 37 programs. It links end-of-life care organizations in 17 U.S. states with programs in 10 African countries. At Gilchrist, we know that the need for compassionate, quality palliative and hospice care knows no borders. Since 2009, Gilchrist has proudly partnered with Nkoaranga, joining hands across continents to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to those facing serious illness.

What began as a knowledge and skill-sharing partnership became something even greater. When Nkoaranga lost its main source of financial support in 2011, Gilchrist stepped up to fully fund the program’s annual operating budget. Today, through this enduring partnership, Gilchrist provides funds to ensure Nkoaranga’s dedicated team can continue delivering life-changing care to patients and families who would otherwise be left unsupported.

International Partnership in Tanzania

Nkoaranga serves a region where poverty, malnutrition, and long, rugged journeys make access to healthcare extremely difficult. While many people have access to HIV treatment through government antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs, access to community-based support varies. Some patients receive this support through Nkoaranga’s program, but cuts to USAID funding have reduced the availability of other such programs in the region. Approximately 76% of Nkoaranga’s patients live with HIV/AIDS, though there is no data on how many previously participated in community programs within their catchment area. The Nkoaranga team, which includes a doctor, a social worker, a palliative care coordinator, a chaplain, a driver, and 12 trained volunteers, brings care directly to patients’ homes. Each month, the small team in their single ambulance travels across a 40-mile radius, averaging 57 home visits and nearly 100 patient visits at Nkoaranga Hospital. Together, they provide not just medical relief but also emotional and spiritual care, along with education and guidance to help families survive and thrive.

Our Work in Tanzania

Key elements of Nkoaranga’s model include:

  • Home-Based Palliative Care: Pain and symptom management, caregiver education, and ongoing support.
  • Support Groups: Monthly gatherings for adults and children living with HIV/AIDS that offer community, food, medication, and learning resources.
  • Kids Club: A lifeline for more than 30 children each month, providing mentorship, meals, medical follow-up, and educational scholarships.

Philanthropic support sustains staff salaries, medications, volunteer stipends, vehicle maintenance, school scholarships, and incidentals for basic food and transport to the hospital for outpatient care. In 2025 alone, Nkoaranga’s small but mighty team conducted over 574 home visits and supported an average monthly caseload of 860 patients and their families. There is much that still needs to be done in Tanzania, including addressing poverty, food shortages, limited access to medication, unreliable transport, and aging medical facilities.

For more information about how you can help, please get in touch with Diane Sancilio at 443.904.2897 or dsancilio@gilchristcares.org.

Tanzania Children

Thanks to the generosity of Gilchrist and GBMC staff—many of whom give through payroll deduction—$55,000 is raised each year to support Nkoaranga’s $80,000 annual budget. The remaining funds are provided through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and fundraising initiatives. Gilchrist’s commitment to supporting our hospice partner in Tanzania is made possible by this collective effort.

Donate Now

The Story of Hope by Elizabeth Ann Liechty is now available for purchase! Proceeds from the book will support Gilchrist’s Tanzania partnership to help spread the word of Hope, Joy, Grace, Faith, Love, & Patience and the Watering Hole where we all can meet one day. Learn more at blueelephantandfriends.com.

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