Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda. I also went to school in Devon in the UK. I now work as an accountant for the African Palliative Care Association (APCA). I studied from Zambia, Bideford (UK) and in my home country of Uganda.
What was the first time you heard about palliative care?
I first heard about palliative care when I applied for the job at APCA. Since then I have continued to learn about the need for palliative care across Africa. I like being able to work for an organisation contributing to such an important cause.
Why does working in palliative care mean a lot to you?
I know almost everyone at some point will need palliative care. I hope that my work contributes to ensuring more access to palliative care because this is what I would want for my friends and family.
What is the most powerful memory you have both palliative care working and palliative care not being available when it was needed?
Although I do not work with patients directly I have heard about the terrible consequences of people not having access to palliative care. The idea of someone being left to die in pain keeps me motivated to do my job well.
Finally, do you feel optimistic about palliative care reaching the people who need it in the future?
Yes. In my few years at APCA I have seen huge steps forward in the access to palliative care. I hope that this momentum can continue to build so in the future no patient will have to go without palliative care.
My biggest worry at the moment though is around ensuring enough money comes into palliative care organisations. The global crisis is hitting everyone hard at the moment.
More information:
- Visit the APCA website
- Follow APCA on twitter
- Like APCA’s facebook page.
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