“Ghana Palliative Care Association Launches October Campaign to Raise Awareness”

Story by Fada Amakye

The Ghana Palliative Care Association has launched its October campaign to raise awareness about palliative care and its benefits. Dr. Mrs. Bisi Adewale Assani, NEC member and Chair of the Research Committee, emphasized that palliative care is a specialist care that provides total support for individuals living with incurable diseases.

Palliative care is not just for patients, but also for their families. It’s a multidisciplinary approach that involves doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and legal experts. The care starts from the time of diagnosis, not just at the end of life.

Many people, including healthcare professionals, have misconceptions about palliative care. Dr. Assani clarified that it’s not just for cancer or HIV patients, but for anyone with a life-limiting condition.

Palliative care provides physical, emotional, and social support. It improves the quality of life for patients and their families. With early intervention, patients can live longer and better lives.

Ghana will host the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) conference in 2028, marking the first time the event will be held in West Africa. The conference aims to promote palliative care and share best practices across the continent.

The Ghana Palliative Care Association is working to raise awareness and educate the public about palliative care. They have lined up programs for the rest of the year to promote the importance of palliative care.