title: Best practices in developing a national palliative care policy in resource limited settings: lessons from five African countries.
abstract: Given the high unmet need for palliative care in Africa and other resource limited settings, it is important that countries embrace the public health approach to increasing access through its integration within existing healthcare systems. To give this approach a strong foundation that would ensure sustainability, the World Health Organisation urges member states to ensure that policy environments are suitable for this intervention. The development, strengthening, and implementation of national palliative care policies is a priority. Given the lack of a critical mass of palliative care professionals in the region and deficiency in documenting and sharing best practices as part of information critical for regional development, policy development becomes a complex process. This article shares experiences with regard to best practices when advocating the national palliative care policies. It also tells about policy development process, the important considerations, and cites examples of policy content outlines in Africa.
authors: African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Emmanuel Bk
authors: EB
authors: Luyirika
authors: African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Eve
authors: E
authors: Namisango
authors: Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Zimbabwe, 13 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors: Eunice
authors: E
authors: Garanganga
authors: Mozambique Palliative Care Association, Av Eduardo Mondlane NR 540, BR Polana 0101, Maputo, Mozambique.
authors: Lidia
authors: L
authors: Monjane
authors: Swaziland National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1119, Mbabane, H100, Swaziland.
authors: Ntombi
authors: N
authors: Ginindza
authors: Swaziland National AIDS Programme, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1119, Mbabane, H100, Swaziland.
authors: Gugulethu
authors: G
authors: Madonsela
authors: African Palliative Care Association, PO Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Fatia
authors: F
authors: Kiyange
keywords: consultation; controlled substances; evidence; financial resources; government; health systems; pain medications; palliative care; palliative care policy; policy development; policy goals; policy makers; situational analysis; stakeholders; terms of reference