Palliative Care in Rwanda: Aiming for Universal Access

• Published in: Journal of pain and symptom management Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. S77 - S80
• Main Authors: Krakauer, Eric L., Muhimpundu, Marie-Aimee, Mukasahaha, Diane, Tayari, Jean-Claude, Ntizimira, Christian, Uhagaze, Blaise, Mugwaneza, Théodosie, Ruzima, Aimable, Mpanumusingo, Egide, Gasana, Magnus, Karamuka, Vincent, Nkurikiyimfura, Jean-Luc, Park, Paul, Barebwanuwe, Peter, Tapela, Neo, Elmore, Shekinah N., Bukhman, Gene, Leng, Mhoira, Grant, Liz, Binagwaho, Agnes, Sezibera, Richard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-02-2018
• Subjects: equity; global health; pain; palliative care; Rwanda; global health; pain; palliative care; equity; Rwanda
• ISSN: 0885-3924; 1873-6513
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.03.037

In 2011, Rwanda's Ministry of Health set a goal of universal access to palliative care by 2020. Toward this audacious egalitarian and humanitarian goal, the Ministry of Health worked with partners to develop palliative care policies and a strategic plan, secure adequate supplies of opioid for the country, initiate palliative care training programs, and begin studying a model for integrating coordinated palliative care into the public health care system at all levels. It also initiated training of a new cadre of home-based care practitioners to provide palliative care in the home. Based on these developments, the goal appears within reach.