The presentation came as part of his recent visit to Uganda. The contribution was from the Irish Government for the outstanding work being undertaken at the hospice.
Commenting on the visit, Pat Breen T.D commented, “I was very pleased to fulfil a long standing invitation from Dr’s Frank and Patricia Hassett to visit this Hospice which was founded in 2005. They saw the need for a palliative care service for patients with advanced cancer and HIV/AIDS in Jinja”
He continued, “I was honoured to present the cheque for €5,000 to the Hassett’s as I have been lobbying support for this project since I was first appointed Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee. This financial aid will help in the challenges of vehicle replacement, monthly fuel and vehicle maintenance and the education and mobilisation of community volunteers who are essential to the efficient running of this service.”
The Irish politician was taken by staff out to the field to meet patients and see first-hand the important work being undertaken by staff from the hospice.
On these visits he commented, “[The] palliative care support is making a real difference for patients with cancer and HIV/AIDS. And in the spirit of our Irish Tradition I brought a gift of a food hamper to the families we visited which I hoped would alleviate some hardship for them.”
After the visit a commitment was made to explore further how The Irish Government and Irish Aid can begin the process of exploring how they can build their relationship with Jinja Hospice.
Pat Breen T.D commented that, “further meetings with other NGO’s and the Government of Uganda are planned.”
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