The Institute of Health Sciences in Gaborone is partnering with the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) in Uganda to strengthen its capacity to provide quality palliative care education and training for pre-service and post-basic students.
Partners are focusing on faculty development in topics related to palliative care. They are also working to
introduce palliative care into the Institute’s existing
pharmacy technology, health education, and dental therapy programs, as well as to develop organizational capacity in the areas of planning, research, and
monitoring and evaluation.
Partners conducted a sensitization workshop for faculty and staff at the Institute, along with members of the local community. The workshop introduced the concept of palliative care with a particular focus on current
advances in the field in Botswana to ensure that future activities are in keeping with national guidelines.
Partners conducted two palliative care workshops for faculty, staff, and other interested parties that focused on an introducing hospice and palliative care concepts. In addition, partners conducted two workshops on
organizational development for faculty and staff at the Institute. Topics covered included the development and implementation of a policy and procedure framework, and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Upcoming activities for this south-south partnership include:
- A training-of-trainers course in palliative care that will include clinical placements for practical skills-building; and
- Integration of palliative care into the Institute’s curriculum.
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