Last week, Botswana hosted a transformative gathering-the 8th International African Palliative Care & Allied Services Conference. Convened by the African Palliative Care Association (APCA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health Botswana. Convened every 3 years in different African countries, this landmark event brought together ministers of health, policymakers, donors, researchers, patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers from across the continent and beyond, united under one vision: ensuring that palliative care is an integral, sustainable part of Africa’s health systems.
Conference highlights included:
- The culmination of APCA’s 20th anniversary celebrations of impact and setting the pace for the next decade: charting the long-term vision of APCA and reaffirming its mandate to be the continental voice for palliative and comprehensive chronic care.
The 5th African Ministers of Health Session on Palliative Care: where political leadership emphasized national commitment to embed palliative care in universal health coverage plan, ensuring no patient is left behind.- Scientific Conference Engagements: showcasing cutting-edge research, radical innovations, and practices shaping the future of palliative and chronic care delivery, including intersections with other specialties such as paediatrics, cardiology, gynaecological cancers, hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers, spiritual care, mental health, and others.
- Launch of the APCA Atlas of Palliative Care in African: The 2nd edition of this critical tool that maps access, gaps, and opportunities to advance equity in palliative care provision throughout the region was launched in partnership with the University of Navarra’s Atlantes Global Observatory, Portugal.
- Launch of the African Palliative Care Research Centre of Excellence: key in strengthening evidence generation, fostering collaboration, and amplifying African voices in global research in health and palliative care.
- Cultural & Traditional Activities on the final day: celebrating Africa’s diversity, resilience, and community spirit, reminding us that palliative care is deeply rooted in humanity and compassion.
- The conference also saw the launch of the Anne Merriman Award for Excellence in Palliative Care in Africa, in partnership with Irish Aid and facilitated by Irish Hospice Foundation.
Though it was clear that much progress has been made, millions of patients in need still lack access to holistic care at the most vulnerable moments of life. Through gatherings like this, APCA continues to advocate and champion the integration of palliative and chronic care into health systems, and mobilizing resources to ensure dignity, comfort, and compassion for all.
At APCA, we are deeply grateful for the many partnerships and continued support from fellow African colleagues and institutions, and from global collaborators and academia.
So, the journey continues, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serve as a beacon of hope and contribute to reduce health related suffering in Africa and the world.
Please keep a look out for the detailed conference report in the near future on www.conference.africanpalliativecare.org
Leave a Reply