Paediatric Palliative Care in Uganda

Healthcare in Uganda is provided through a range of organisations working together to try and provide a comprehensive range of services, including both governmental and non-governmental organisations. However there is a shortage of healthcare workers and the health infrastructure is lacking and many resources are devoted to persons with HIV/AIDS. As a result of the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS and other life-limiting illnesses in the 1980s, many Ugandans began to recognize the importance of palliative care. Policymakers, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups have developed palliative care programs and national strategies to advance palliative care. In regard to paediatric palliative care, the high infant mortality and cancer rates clearly indicate a demand for services. Given limited resources, provision of paediatric palliative care has been accomplished through a variety of models such as hospitals, hospices, home based programs, and outreach programs. Ugandan programs emphasize family-centered care and nurses provide the majority of the care. Advancement of paediatric palliative care faces several challenges including availability of morphine, awareness, lack of trained professionals, and lack of finances. Despite these challenges programs like Mildmay Uganda have provided comprehensive treatment for children with life-limiting illnesses since 1998. Mildmay is also an important center for training and mentorship in paediatric palliative care in Uganda.