KAMPALA, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating palliative care into the national healthcare framework, following a landmark ceremony where the Government received 11 ambulances and launched the Dr. Anne Merriman Fund for Palliative Care.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, Doctor Diana Atwiine, the Director General of Health Services Professor Dr. Olaro Charles hailed the initiative as a transformative step towards Universal Health Coverage, emphasizing that no patient should die in pain or without access to compassionate care.
Prof Olaro extended profound gratitude to the Irish organization, “Hope on Wheels” and its volunteers whose generosity made the donation possible. He commended the Irish people for the vote of confidence accorded to Uganda by proceeding with their mission despite international concerns following a recent Ebola outbreak.
“You have become ambassadors for Uganda, despite concerns raised internationally following the recent Ebola outbreak, you still chose to come to Uganda, demonstrating confidence in our country’s ability to manage public health challenges. I would like to assure all our visitors and partners that Uganda remains safe.”
The Ministry confirmed that active surveillance systems remain in place and that the country is fully prepared to respond to any health threats, ensuring the safety of both citizens and visitors.
Doctor Olaro highlighted that one of the greatest barriers to palliative care access has been transportation, as many patients are bedridden or too ill to travel long distances to facilities like the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala and regional referral hospitals.
“The 11 ambulances we are receiving today directly address this challenge. They will support home-based care, community outreach, patient referrals, and access to specialized treatment centres.” He remarked.
The ambulances have already been allocated to designated service centres across the country, where they will bridge the gap between healthcare providers and vulnerable patients in remote and underserved communities. With over 500,000 Ugandans requiring palliative care annually due to cancer, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illnesses, demand will only increase as the population ages.
In a moving tribute, Professor Olaro paid homage to the late Professor Anne Merriman, founder of Hospice Africa Uganda and a pioneer of palliative care on the African continent.
“I vividly recall, during my postgraduate training at Mulago Hospital, witnessing palliative care teams attending to patients with compassion and professionalism,” he reflected. Professor Merriman arrived in Uganda in 1993 and introduced the local production of affordable liquid morphine, a groundbreaking innovation that transformed pain management for countless patients.
To cement her legacy, the Ministry of health launched the Dr. Anne Merriman Fund, a national endowment that will support training, scholarships, childhood cancer care, outreach programs, and improved access to palliative care in underserved communities. The fundraising campaign has already raised over €200,000, (over Ugx1 billion.)
The Director General also expressed sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister Emeritus, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who has graciously accepted to serve as Patron of the Fund, underscoring the national significance of palliative care.
The Ministry emphasized that this event should mark the beginning of an enduring partnership between Uganda and Ireland, noting a long history of cooperation in health and education, particularly in the Karamoja region.
“We hope this is not a one-time engagement but rather the beginning of an enduring partnership,” Prof Alaro remarked
He urged the Division of Palliative Care and Emergency Medical Services to finalize the National Palliative Care Strategy. He thanked the volunteers, healthcare workers, and the Palliative Care Association of Uganda for their tireless service.
“Together, let us continue building a future where no Ugandan faces a life-limiting illness without access to compassionate, quality palliative care,” he concluded.
