The Ugandan Palliative Care Journey

I had an amazing, if exhausting visit to Uganda to work on the pilot project of palliative care for elderly African nuns. The model of palliative care is being trialled with the Little Sisters of St Francis (founded by Irish woman Mother Kevin Kearney) in Nkokonjeru, Uganda. It’s designed to build a sustainable model of palliative care that can be used for elderly nuns in religious communities right across Africa. We estimate that there are 10,000 nuns that could benefit from this project.

The project has been developed by Sr Jane Frances, regional superior of LSOSF, Dr Eve Namisango, Executive Director of African Palliative Care Association, with input and support from me, Julie Ling and Jean Duff.

We were in Uganda to progress the project and meet and listen to the elderly nuns. Photographer Grace Gelder generously gave of her time and talent to photograph the nuns, which really helps to bring to life the needs and benefits of such a programme.

In a packed week, I also got to meet Minister of State for International Development Neale Richmond, CEO of Palliative Care Association of Uganda [PCAU] .Mark Bikosa Mwesiga MPH and also to present diplomas at a graduation ceremony for the Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa.Thanks to all (particularly Miriam Donohoe) for making us so welcome. Watch this space to learn more about this project!