As we embark on another year, we extend our warmest greetings to our cherished community and supporters who have been an integral part of the remarkable journey we have undertaken since the inception of the Center for Hospice Care/Hospice Foundation (CHC/HF) and Palliative Care Association of Uganda’s (PCAU) partnership in 2008.
Our collaboration has thrived on the bedrock of mutual trust and awareness of cultural appropriateness, a cornerstone reflected in PCAU’s strategic plan. Over the years, our focus has remained on providing support and resources to assist PCAU in reaching its strategic objectives: capacity building, advocacy and awareness creation, research and information, governance and support functions, and sustainability and financial efficiency. The lasting success of this partnership is a testament to the strong, meaningful relationships nurtured through virtual meetings, correspondence and staff exchange visits.
Understanding that the need for palliative care continues to rise globally and that there is disproportionately less access to palliative care in Sub-Saharan Africa (including Uganda), CHC/HF is committed to supporting PCAU’s long-term sustainability. Through technical assistance, financial and operational assistance and knowledge exchange, we aim to bolster PCAU’s efforts. This would not be possible without the generous donations received from many of you, which play a pivotal role in advancing this partnership.
Reflecting on the years gone by, several best practices and lessons learned underscore our collaboration:
- Aligned goals and annual tracking: Both organizations consistently agree on partnership goals and objectives, tracking progress annually.
- Commitment from staff and administration: The deep commitment and active partnership, not just on paper but in action, are driven by the significant involvement of staff, administration and boards of both organizations.
- Engagement of community partners: The involvement of other community partners and organizations significantly contributes to the partnership’s goals, raising the profile of the partnership.
- Individual relationships for motivation: While the partnership exists between two organizations, it’s the individual people and relationships that power our work. Spending time together in person has been crucial to our success.
As we welcome 2024, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our supporters for your unwavering support. Together, we look forward to another year of shared accomplishments, strengthened relationships and making a lasting impact in supporting PCAU to realize its vision of “palliative care for all in Uganda.”
Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with joy, prosperity and continued collaboration!
Mark Mwesiga
Executive Director, PCAU
John Mastrojohn III
President and CEO, CHC