Summary:
- A total of 33 healthcare professionals from across the continent, including Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Eswatini, Cameroon, and Zambia, proudly received their degrees, awarded by Makerere University.
KAMPALA: Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of the largest number of palliative care degree students in a single year from its Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa (IHPCA).
What is Hospice Africa Uganda?
HAU, headquartered in Kampala, Uganda, serves as the clinical hub for palliative care operations across Africa. It produces affordable morphine, treats patients, and provides training programs for healthcare workers from other African nations.
The organization operates three sites in Uganda: the main headquarters in Kampala, and two smaller branches in Hoima and Mbarara. Each location is staffed by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, drivers, pharmacists, and administrators, all committed to delivering the best possible care.
Their services include daily drop-in clinics, home visits, daycare, and outreach programs. Additionally, HAU regularly welcomes volunteers who assist in various capacities.
Record Graduation Numbers:
A total of 33 healthcare professionals from across the continent, including Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Eswatini, Cameroon, and Zambia, proudly received their degrees, awarded by Makerere University. The graduates included 17 master’s and 16 bachelor’s degree recipients.
The IHPCA, the educational arm of HAU, was founded 31 years ago by Professor Dr. Anne Merriman with the vision of spreading palliative care throughout Africa.
Eight of the graduates – seven master’s and one bachelor’s – were supported by scholarships from the Irish Hospice Foundation. Other funding came from Build Community Give Care (BCGC), the Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), and the African Palliative Care Association (APCA).
Among the graduates, four master’s recipients are HAU staff members: palliative care nurses Beatrice Asiimwe, Miriel Kabigarire, Harriet Nalubega, and Harriet Nakiganda from IHPCA.
All the graduates completed their programs through a blend of online and in-person learning.
A Legacy of Training:
Since it began offering palliative care education in 2003, IHPCA has trained hundreds of healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, at various levels. The institute offers a three-year bachelor’s program in Palliative Care, a two-year master’s program, a diploma, and several short courses.
Dr. Nasur Buyinza, Academic Registrar at IHPCA, congratulated the students on their achievements, describing the occasion as “a landmark day” in the mission to integrate palliative care into Africa’s healthcare systems.
“This is the largest number of graduates we have had in one year since we began delivering education programs,” Dr. Buyinza stated. “It is only our second master’s graduation, and having 17 master’s graduates reflects our standing as one of Uganda’s premier palliative care learning institutions.”
He added, “The master’s program is crucial because it supports research and evidence-building around palliative care, which has been lacking until now.”
A Proud Moment for HAU:
HAU Executive Director, Prossy Nakyanja, celebrated the achievement: “This is a proud day for HAU and the IHPCA. Training and educating healthcare workers from across Africa is how palliative care will eventually become a standard part of all healthcare systems. This aligns with the vision of our founder, Professor Dr. Anne Merriman, and we are honored to have her present for today’s graduation.”
Nakyanja expressed gratitude to the Irish Hospice Foundation, BCGC, PCAU, and APCA for their financial support, which enabled eight students to graduate with their qualifications.
The Author Daniel Kamara, is a Nutritionist at Bwindi Community Hospital in Kanungu District and a Board Member of the Allied Nutritionists Association of Uganda
