Summary:
- Minister Aceng noted that Uganda has 13 standalone hospices providing palliative care services and that oral morphine, critical for pain management, is available free of charge to patients, courtesy of government support.
KAMPALA: Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has emphasized the critical need to support palliative care services across the country, especially in underserved districts.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner aimed at extending palliative care to 36 districts without specialized health workers on Friday at Silver Springs Bugolobi in Kampala, Dr. Aceng underscored the progress Uganda has made in this field while appealing for collective effort to bridge existing gaps.
“We take pride in milestones such as the introduction of oral morphine, training palliative care health workers, and revising healthcare structures to integrate palliative care nurses at Health Centre IIIs,” Dr. Aceng said.
She commended the sector for its 25 years of service and reminded attendees that non-communicable diseases continue to rise, making palliative care an essential service for all Ugandans.
“Most of us here are candidates for non-communicable diseases. In the long run, we will all need palliative care services. It is my humble appeal that we support its integration into all health facilities,” she added.
Highlighting the strides made, Dr. Aceng noted that Uganda has 13 standalone hospices providing palliative care services and that oral morphine, critical for pain management, is available free of charge to patients, courtesy of government support.
Justine Lumumba Kasule, the minister in charge of general duties in the Office of the Prime Minister commended the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) for its tireless efforts since its inception in 1999.
Mimister Lumumba represented the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja as the guest of honor and assured the association of continued government support.
“The need for palliative care increases every day. I assure you of advocacy and continuous support to ensure these services reach every corner of the country.” She said.
The event also celebrated a groundbreaking milestone: the launch of a mobile app designed to improve access to palliative care information and services. This innovation is expected to enhance the quality and reach of care for patients nationwide.
About PCAU:
The Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU) is the national umbrella body for palliative care providers. Established in 1999 and officially registered as an NGO in 2003, PCAU aims to ensure that all patients and families in need can access comprehensive palliative care services.
The association boasts over 1,500 individual members and 30 organizational members, working closely with the government to integrate palliative care into Uganda’s healthcare system.
Palliative Care Coverage in Uganda:
Palliative care services are available in 107 districts and 230 accredited facilities, including national and regional referral hospitals, general hospitals, and health center IVs. The 13 standalone hospices provide a variety of care models, including home visits, roadside clinics, community daycares, and facility-based programs.
PCAU continues to focus on:
Capacity Building: Training and mentoring palliative care providers.
Advocacy and Awareness: Promoting a supportive environment for palliative care.
Research and Information: Establishing a hub for palliative care knowledge.
Governance and Support: Ensuring effective management of services.
Sustainability: Mobilizing resources to enhance financial efficiency.
The dinner underscored the urgent need to extend palliative care to underserved areas while celebrating the achievements of the past 25 years. It was a call to action for all stakeholders to contribute towards a future where every Ugandan in need has access to quality palliative care.
