In Uganda, thousands of patients living with cancer and other lifelimiting illnesses depend on oral liquid morphine for pain relief. The Palliative Care Association of Uganda (PCAU), mandated by the Ministry of Health, ensures this medicine reaches those who need it most. Beyond supply chain oversight, PCAU mentors and supports health workers to prescribe and manage morphine safely and responsibly.
Recently, PCAU visited Lamwo District to strengthen palliative care services. Working closely with the District Health Officer, our team engaged staff at Madi Opei and Padibe Health Centre IVs, where morphine is currently available, and oriented health workers from other facilities. Through mentorship, we built skills in pain assessment, safe prescribing, documentation, and accountability. We also reinforced knowledge of Uganda’s legal framework that empowers trained nurses and clinical officers to prescribe morphine ensuring patients in remote areas are not left to suffer in silence.
One nurse shared how the training gave her confidence to manage severe pain in patients she once felt helpless to support. These sessions not only improved clinical practice but also renewed health workers’ commitment to compassionate, patientcentred care.
This activity followed recommendations from PCAU’s quarterly Morphine Partners Meeting, which brings together national stakeholders to review supply chain performance.
By mentoring Lamwo’s health workers, PCAU is helping to expand palliative care services to underserved communities, ensuring that patients with moderate to severe pain receive timely relief and dignity in care.
PCAU appreciates the different stakeholdres, the partners and donors for the continued support. By investing in mentorship and supervision, you are not only strengthening Uganda’s health system but also empowering frontline staff to provide compassionate, patientcentred care.Together, we can expand this impact to more districts and ensure that no patient suffers needlessly.
