Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja

Rays of Hope Hospice Jinja (RHHJ) was founded in 2005. It provides home-based, holistic palliative care. We operate in the Busoga Region in Uganda, with an area of 10,000 km2, and > 3.5 million people (2014).

In 2023 RHHJ cared for 1301 people, 64 % were women, and 7 % were children. 72% of patients cared for have cancer. 64% have cancer, 8% have cancer & HIV/AIDS, 8% have severe HIV/AIDS and 20 % have other life-limiting diseases.

We are 34 staff and 85 community volunteers. RHHJ’s main office is in Jinja and our field office is in Buyende District.

CORE SERVICES

RAYS OF HOPE HOSPICE JINJA PROGRAMMES ARE DEVELOPED TO OVERCOME THE ACCESS BARRIERS TO HEALTH CARE AND PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH LIFE-LIMITING DISEASES

Home-based Care – We bring services closer to YOU: RHHJ provides free home-based care. Buyende Field Office cares for 23% of enrolled patients. Our field teams go out in 4 teams daily and we drive 12,000 km per month

RHHJ provides needed medication for pain and symptom control

RHHJ provides free medication for pain and symptom control to help the patient live their last days in dignity.

RHHJ trains health workers in the prevention and better diagnosis and treatment of cancer and severe HIV/AIDS

Limited understanding of cancer and severe HIV/AIDS among health workers hampers access to palliative care referral. Since 2019, RHHJ has trained 350+ health workers in a 3-day basic palliative care course. Additionally, RHHJ is training government health workers in cervical cancer screening.

Access to treatment is a human right. RHHJ supports the cost of diagnosis and treatment for our poor patients who otherwise would not get the treatment they need.

RHHJ provides psycho-social and spiritual support – an essential part of palliative care

Meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs enables patients and their families to live better quality lives during their illness, gives comfort, and provides hope for the future

TOGETHER TOWARDS ELIMINATING CERVICAL CANCER IN THE BUSOGA REGION AND BEYOND

Since 2018 RHHJ has screened >9500 women for cervical cancer. Treatment is on-site or supported if needed for further diagnosis and treatment.

RHHJ is grateful for our partnership with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda – PCAU.
It brings the palliative care organizations together, shares information, and works with policymakers to ensure better access to palliative care for all in Uganda.