In the heart of Butembo, North Kivu Province, a quiet but transformative movement is unfolding, one that promises to bring comfort, dignity, and hope to some of the most vulnerable patients in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Inspired by the vision and legacy of Professor Dr. Anne Merriman, founder of Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) and a global pioneer of palliative care, a dedicated team of healthcare professionals has embarked on a journey to establish the first specialized palliative care units in diabetology and geriatrics within the Fondation MUSAVULI Georges (FOMUG).
This remarkable initiative began in February 2026 when nutritionist Paluku Musavuli Georges, returned to Butembo after completing a palliative care training placement at HAU in Kampala. Equipped with new knowledge, skills, and a clear vision, he returned home determined to ensure that patients living with chronic illnesses and elderly people with complex health conditions could access compassionate, holistic care closer to home.
“The gradual implementation of these units is about improving quality of life and ensuring that vulnerable patients receive care that respects their dignity and humanity,” the project vision emphasizes.
What started as an action plan quickly evolved into a growing movement. Within days of his return, healthcare professionals and leaders rallied behind the initiative. Dr. Jean-Louis Katembo Mumbere and Professor Dr. Kahindo Kangitsi joined the effort, strengthening the technical team that would champion palliative care development in the region.
A significant milestone was reached on 25 February 2026 with the launch of a local palliative care training programme known as “Disciples of Prof. Dr. Anne Merriman.” Designed to build local expertise through regular training sessions, the programme is nurturing a new generation of healthcare professionals committed to compassionate care.
The vision continued to gain momentum. Hospital management teams pledged their support, strategic SWOT analyses were conducted, and advocacy efforts reached the highest levels of provincial leadership. During a meeting in Beni, North Kivu authorities expressed strong support for the initiative and encouraged its expansion across the province.
Recognizing that palliative care extends beyond physical treatment, the project also embraced a spiritual and community-centered approach. Religious leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Anglican, and Muslim communities were engaged to ensure spiritual support for patients and families. These efforts resulted in positive commitments from faith leaders, reinforcing a shared belief that compassionate care must address the whole person.
The most significant breakthrough came on 21 April 2026, when the USPD Prof. Dr. Anne Merriman was officially recognized by the Chief Medical Officer of the Butembo Health Zone and integrated into the Complementary Activity Package of the Père Morand Kleiber Medical-Dietetic Hospital Center. This recognition marked a major step toward making palliative care an integral part of healthcare delivery in the region.
Meanwhile, construction and preparation of the future USPG Prof. Dr. Anne Merriman at the MUSAVULI wa KALINDWE Geriatric Hospital continued steadily. Infrastructure works, staff training, and resource mobilization are laying the foundation for a facility that will provide specialized care to elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions.
While challenges remain, including the need for specialized training, essential medicines, medical equipment, and transportation for community outreach, the commitment of the partners involved remains unwavering. Supported by Hospice Africa Uganda, ANESPA, the Butembo Health Zone, and local stakeholders, the initiative continues to move forward with determination and hope.
As palliative care begins to take root in Butembo, this initiative stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, vision, and compassion.
“Together in synergy, we are very strong in contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of chronic patients in Butembo and its surroundings,” Georges narrated.
For the people of North Kivu, the legacy of Professor Dr. Anne Merriman is no longer just a vision, it is becoming a reality, one patient, one family, and one community at a time.
—————–
http://www.hospice-africa.org/
Leave a Reply