In 2001, at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa, Lyn Croote and Melanie Prinsloo took decisive action after witnessing the urgent need for care and support for children affected by the epidemic.
“There was a critical gap in healthcare facilities for children impacted by HIV/AIDS, and we felt compelled to do something about it,” recalls Lyn.
This realization led to the establishment of Lambano Sanctuary in Johannesburg, a facility dedicated to providing hospice care and permanent housing for HIV-positive children.
A Lifeline
Lambano Sanctuary currently operates a 16-bed in-patient hospice unit, staffed by a dedicated team of registered nurses, caregivers, and administrative personnel. Initially, the organization focused on supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS.
However, in 2009, its services expanded to include the care of children facing life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.
Over the years, Lambano Sanctuary has played a pivotal role in South Africa’s healthcare landscape. Beyond hospice care, it offers foster care, a children’s medical step-down facility, home-based care, and a children’s sub-acute facility. Since its inception, the sanctuary has provided foster care for thirty HIV-positive children.
Paramedic Background
Lyn, who has a paramedic background, has built a strong reputation in South African healthcare entrepreneurship. Her mission has always been to create a nurturing environment where vulnerable children can grow and thrive.
Since 2001, Lambano Sanctuary has cared for thirty HIV positive children in their foster care homes. Currently, the facility has eight children who are still in school and studying further to achieve their goals.
Through Lambano, both Lyn and Melanie have contributed immensely towards breaking the stigma in South Africa, with regards to HIV and AIDS issues.
They have achieved this showing South African society that children affected by the disease can also achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to the development of the country when they grow up.
Studying in USA and Working in Mali
Born and raised in Malvern East, Gauteng, Lyn pursued a paramedic career after studying in the United States of America.
In 1994, she left the ambulance service and went to work in Mali for two years. In 1997, she then joined Worldwide Travel Medical Consultants, specializing in Travel Medicine and medical evacuations for critically ill patients.
In 2001 Lyn and Melanie decided to establish Lambano Sancutuary with the vision of making a positive difference in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS.
“I recognized a dire need for care facilities for children affected by the epidemic. This led to the establishment of Lambano Sanctuary, headquartered in Johannesburg. Lambano provides hospice care and permanent housing for HIV-positive children,” says Lynette.
Challenges
Running a facility like Lambano Sanctuary comes with its challenges. One of the most difficult periods was in the early years when the high mortality rate among children, due to late-stage referrals and lack of ARV’s.
“One significant challenge was the high mortality rate among children during the early years due to late-stage referrals. This experience underscored the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care, shaping our proactive approach to pediatric palliative care.
“Witnessing the children in our care grow into healthy adults has been profoundly rewarding. Our holistic approach has enabled many to lead fulfilling lives, demonstrating the effectiveness of comprehensive care in resource-limited settings,” says Lyn.
Resilience and Adaptability
Through her experiences, Lyn has maintained a proactive approach to paediatric palliative care.
Outside of her work as executive director of Lambano Sanctuary, Lyn remains dedicated to advancing paediatric palliative care. She frequently participates in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about this crucial issue and serves on multiple boards focused on healthcare and child welfare.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but having a clear vision and the willingness to evolve is key to sustaining impact and success,” she reflects.
Through Lambano Sanctuary, Lyn continues to provide a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the care, support, and love they deserve.
