The Palliative Care Association of Uganda has been hosting weekly online Zoom discussions with the palliative care fraternity in Uganda, with a specific focus on palliative care in the COVID-19 response. The discussions brought together different kinds of people within the palliative care fraternity including member organizations, partners, policymakers, leaders, palliative care practitioners, and other stakeholders across the country.

The discussions explored the urgent need for palliative care services during COVID-19 as well as continuity of care for those that need the services from the angles of people with palliative care needs, advocates, providers on the front lines and the general public.

Some of the topics covered included:

1. Psycho-social Support for People affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
2. Cancer services in Uganda during the COVID-19 Response.
3. Taking stock of achievements in palliative care and how to re-orient palliative care advocacy in Uganda.
4. How can all partners work together to ensure the right to palliative care during COVID-19 Pandemic? What are the roles of each key player?
5. Discussions around the Alumnethos which covered introduction to the ethos, patient and family being center of all we do, team members working together amongst themselves and with other organizations.

Continuing with our coordination role was something we thought would be important right from the beginning of all restrictions that came along with the pandemic, especially with the increasing need for continuous medical education.

PCAU’s online meetings and webinars have been made possible with the support of a Zoom license offered by Global Partners in Care.