The need for bereavement support for siblings of sick patients was highlighted at a recent training on peadiatric palliative care in Nairobi. Siblings are often forgotten as focus shifts to the sick child.

In most cases, siblings of the sick child have to offer support to their parents as well as to their brother or sister, which can leave them traumatized especially when it comes to an end of life situation. 

Sue Boucher, International Information Officer for International Children’s Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), said that siblings of a sick child may exhibit signs of irritability, anxiety, social withdrawal and start underachieving academically.

“Fear of the unknown is always greater than fear of the known and this can easily be done away with by constant communication” she said.

More information can be found on the Kenya edition of ehospice.