As part of the many activities lined up to commemorate its 20th anniversary, the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) launched a photography competition whose aim is to empower palliative care providers in Africa to share visual stories of what good palliative care looks like in their contexts.
The competition attracted 60 submissions from 10 countries across all sub regions of Africa. This article presents a selection of these entries, including the top 5 finalists and the winning photographs.
2nd Position: Mbongue Grace Elise: Volunteers For Palliative Care (VOPACA) Cameroon
Some of the individuals and organisatiosn that entered the inaugural competition included Bulongwa Lutheran Hospital Palliative Care Department Tanzania, Hospice at Home Eswatini, Josaab Foundation for Social Development- Hospice Egypt, Organisation Jeunesse pour le Développement Communautaire (ORJEDEC) Togo, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Malindi General Hospital Kenya, Mobile Hospice Mbarara Uganda, Mvura Ya Upenhu Cuidados Paliativos Mozambique, Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa-Hospice Africa Uganda, Little Hospice Hoima Uganda,Moses Ayul, Tygerberg Hospice and Palliative Care South Africa, and Volunteers For Palliative Care (VOPACA) Cameroon.
In order to enhance entrants’ capacity to capture quality of photographs, APCA offered small grants for the procurement of cameras for those in need. Out of 10 applicants for this grant, six organizations received funding to procure photography equipment. These were Ghana Palliative Care Association, Kitovu Mobile, Palliative Care Education Research Consortium, Organisation Jeunesse pour le Développement Communautaire (ORJEDEC), Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa-Hospice Africa Uganda, and Ministry of Health Uganda-Palliative Care Unit.
The competition ran from July to November 2024. Judges’ criteria focused on photos that captured the significance and impact of palliative care, compassionate care, patient-centred care, caregiving moments, psychosocial support, advocacy, palliative care research, cultural appropriateness, and images that depict community involvement.
3rd Place: Francisca Nagujja; Mobile Hospice Mbarara Uganda
The judges repeatedly pointed out the impressive talent in this competition, often saying, “This is a very tight contest, and it’s extremely difficult to choose the top five.” This shows the high level of skill among the participants and the tough decisions the judges had to make.
An award ceremony was held on January 14, 2025 attended by representatives of APCA members, partners and donors where the top 5 winners received prizes. You can watch the award ceremony here.
We extend our appreciation to all participants who submitted their photos, our expert judges and our partner, the True Colours Trust. Congratulations to the winners, whose images stood out. To those whose photos were not picked, better luck in the next competition.
Follow this link to watch the awards video.
Thank you to everyone involved for making this competition a success, and for highlighting the significance of palliative care through the art of photography.
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