The African Palliative Care Association (APCA), in partnership with Global Partners in Care (GPIC) in the USA, provides a limited number of competitive scholarships each year to health care workers especially nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, music therapists, and clinical officers. APCA and GPIC recognise the important role health care and social workers play in providing holistic palliative care services. Despite this, the inadequate incorporation of palliative care into the pre-service (undergraduate) training of health care and social workers, the lack of clear career pathways for those interested in specialising in palliative care, and lack of recognition of palliative care qualifications by local ministries of health and education continues to be a challenge.
The Palliative Care Education Scholarship Fund aims to provide an opportunity for health care and social workers involved in palliative care provision or those determined to lead the development of such services in their settings to undergo specialist training. Palliative care is a growing area of practice in Africa, and health care and social workers often feel unprepared to deal with the complex issues it encompasses. Training opportunities are expected to enhance skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, methods, and sensitivities needed to work effectively in palliative care with patients, families, health care providers, and the community.
Any recognised institution of higher learning offering palliative care training in Africa. Examples include: Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa/Hospice Africa Uganda, Mildmay Uganda, Nairobi Hospice, Malawi University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya Medical Training, Center for Palliative Care in Nigeria, Ghana College of Nursing and Midwives, and University of Cape Town.
All levels of study in palliative care may be considered for scholarships.
Nurses, social workers, clinical officers, physiotherapists, and music therapists with a desire to undertake specialised training in palliative care. Other members of the palliative care multidisciplinary team may be considered.
Scholarship amount and duration may vary according to the course of study but shall not exceed $2,000 USD.
Eligible applicants should download and complete the relevant scholarship application form available online and submit to the relevant email: scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org. Filled in hard copy applications forms can also be sent through courier addressed to or dropped at the African Palliative Care Association, P.O. Box 72518, Plot 95, Dr Gibbons Road, Kampala, Uganda.
For more information about the African Palliative Care Education Scholarship Fund, please email scholarships@africanpalliativecare.org.
Ndejje University
Limkokwing University
Lira University
Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology
Uganda Christian University