The introduction of palliative care in Uganda

Hospice Uganda was established in Kampala, September 27, 1993. Since then the hospice has served over 3,000 patients with cancer, and referrals of patients with HIV/AIDS are increasing steadily. The concepts of hospice and palliative care are well accepted in Uganda, but the delivery of services has been severely constrained by limited resources. Possibilities for growth, both in service provision and education of health professionals, were improved significantly with the incorporation of palliative care objectives into the Ministry of Health 5-year strategic plan.