Only 2 weeks in this tiny country in the heart of Africa - le pays du mille collines. I was visiting for cairdeas at the invitation of Signpost Rwanda - a charity with it's based in Dundee, Scotland, who are involved in projects for children and vulnerable women in Rwanda. They have achieved much and have a great team in Rwanda, Here is Pastor Nathan, Karen, Doreen, Janet,
Josh (the computer whizz) and little Shema - Janet's son and my play mate while visiting. The Rwanda team have been challenged by the need for hospice and palliative care in their country and I was visiting as part of the feasibility planning and research. Thankyou so much for taking me to your hearts. I was able to meet so many people who are part of the new Palliative Care Association of Rwanda and hear something of their plans and vision. They have government support and undergone initial training supported by the African Palliative Care Association. The need is very clear with around
3% HIV/AIDS prevalence as well as a rising incidence of cancer and other chronic illnesses. So far there is very limited access to oral morphine and no palliative care service. However, there is a
real sense of working together. My visits included the university hospitals in Kigali and Butare (here is Dr Cwynya-ay in his paediatric ward in Butare) ,senior nursing colleagues at King Faizal hospital and some of the key networks for supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. I wish them every blessing in their planning and have offered support from Cairdeas as needed (and available). I am sure much will be done to change the face of those suffering with palliative care needs in Rwanda over these next years, so that children like this little one can have the help they so deserve.
Josh (the computer whizz) and little Shema - Janet's son and my play mate while visiting. The Rwanda team have been challenged by the need for hospice and palliative care in their country and I was visiting as part of the feasibility planning and research. Thankyou so much for taking me to your hearts. I was able to meet so many people who are part of the new Palliative Care Association of Rwanda and hear something of their plans and vision. They have government support and undergone initial training supported by the African Palliative Care Association. The need is very clear with around 
3% HIV/AIDS prevalence as well as a rising incidence of cancer and other chronic illnesses. So far there is very limited access to oral morphine and no palliative care service. However, there is a 
real sense of working together. My visits included the university hospitals in Kigali and Butare (here is Dr Cwynya-ay in his paediatric ward in Butare) ,senior nursing colleagues at King Faizal hospital and some of the key networks for supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. I wish them every blessing in their planning and have offered support from Cairdeas as needed (and available). I am sure much will be done to change the face of those suffering with palliative care needs in Rwanda over these next years, so that children like this little one can have the help they so deserve.
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