The Palliative Care Association of Uganda was not only recognized for its support and contribution to improving access to Palliative Care services in Africa but also for the best oral presentation on integrating palliative care data into the national Health Management Information Systems (HMIS) during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The African Palliative Care Association (APCA) together with the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA) hosted a hybrid 7^th International African Palliative Care Conference from 24^th to 26^th August 2022 at Mestil Hotel, Kampala-Uganda for physical attendees where PCAU participated.

Throughout the conference sessions, critical discussions were held on palliative care services in Africa by Palliative Care Organizations’ leaders and stakeholders across the globe.

“At a country level, palliative care is greatly hindered by the low levels of awareness. Even to the honorable Members Ugandan parliament, we have had to hold sensitization meetings to talk about palliative care and its importance” Mark Mwesiga Donald Mwesiga, Country Director. PCAU.

“The major challenge we face as Africa is difficulty integrating Palliative Care into the existing health care systems.” Dr. Luyirika Emmanuel, Executive Director of the African Palliative Care Association.

Hon. Margaret Muhanga, State Minister of Health, appreciated the partnership the Ministry has with the national association, Palliative Care Association of Uganda to accredit Health facilities in Uganda. PCAU together with the Ministry of Health accredit specially trained palliative care nurses and clinical officers to prescribe morphine, and a total of 232 facilities had been certified by July 2022. This responsibility is still left to only medical officers in many African countries.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus WHO Director General applauded PCAU for putting Uganda among the leading palliative care service providers in the continent and reiterated World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting palliative care in Africa.

“Good palliative care is not limited to end-of-life care. If planned at an early stage, it can prevent unnecessary intervention save costs, and increase the quality of life for patients and their families. We remain committed to working with all partners and all countries to expand access to quality palliative care for all Africans.” Dr. Adhanom Ghebreyesus.