Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
My name is Emilly Kemigisha Ssali. I am a Ugandan, born and bred in Fort Portal in the Kabarole District. I am also married with four lovely daughters.
I have a Master’s degree in development studies from Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi and a BA in social sciences, where I majored in sociology and social administration from Makerere University. I have worked with the Uganda Redcross, Catholic Relief Services and Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation before I joined APCA.
What was the first time you heard about palliative care?
I first heard about palliative care when a friend of mine (Patricia Batanda) joined APCA, although it did not make too much sense to me at the time when she tried to explain what it means. However in 2010, my mother who had ovarian cancer was in so much pain and it was then that I truly learnt about palliative care because we were referred to Hospice Africa Uganda for morphine since at the time the Cancer Institute in Mulago was out of stock. Once again Patricia came in handy because she assisted me understanding palliative care and also introduced me to the team at Hospice Africa Uganda.
Why does working in palliative care mean a lot to you?
It means a lot to me because I have had first-hand experience of seeing palliative care patients both adults and children and it is always such a life turning moment when you know you have put a smile back on their faces even in the middle of their anguish. It is a very fulfilling and worthwhile moment.
So knowing that I can contribute in any small way even remotely to putting that beautiful smile for someone looking at death in the face keeps me going.
What is the most powerful memory you have both:
1) Palliative care working: When my mother got morphine when she needed it. Thanks to the people I knew at the time. The hospital doctors and other health workers were also very supportive in providing PSS to both us and my mother as they prepared us for what was to come.
2) Palliative care not being available when it was needed? At the time my mother was in hospital, many other people needed the morphine and particularly a little girl called Irene who had leukaemia. But it was not readily available at that moment in Mulago Cancer Institute. It was so traumatic seeing them go through unnecessary pain and yet helpless to provide it.
Do you feel optimistic about palliative care reaching the people who need it in the future?
Yes; although it is going to take a lot of advocacy because many people do not really understand the concept until it comes to their door step. Therefore publicity of real life situations will be useful in this advocacy. If the concept it is well appreciated, then integration in the health systems will be well supported by the government and therefore services will be available and accessible.
More information:
- Visit the APCA website
- Follow APCA on twitter
- Like APCA’s facebook page.
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