Hospice Africa Uganda appeals for accommodation for its cancer patients

Hospice Africa Uganda is appealing for accommodation for its cancer patients receiving radiotherapy treatment in the Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi.

The charity, which cares for seriously ill and dying patients across three centres in Uganda, has confirmed that four cervical cancer patients are currently at the Aga Khan hospital receiving treatment following the breakdown of Uganda's only radiotherapy machine in April.

Two more patients are due to travel next week.

"The patients are being funded under the Road to Care Programme, started by Canadian doctor Joda Kuk in 2011 after he saw the huge needs of women with cervical cancer in rural settings during a visit to Hospice," says Miriam Donohoe, Hospice Africa Uganda's communications consultant.

However there is a problem accessing accommodation for its patients near the hospital due to cost. The female patients are receiving almost daily radiotherapy doses on an out patient basis.

"We are appealing to anybody who can assist with accommodation, whether it be a hotel or guest house or any other organization, to make contact. Currently the four patients in Nairobi are in the same house and two are sleeping on the sitting room floor," says Donohoe.

After Uganda's only radiotherapy machine broke down in early April it was agreed to use the programme to send HAU patients to the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi for treatment.

Separately the hospital announced it is working with the Ugandan government through the Ugandan Cancer Institute to provide free treatment for patients.

Under the Road to Care programme women with cervical cancer in rural parts of Uganda are assisted in making medical appointments in Kampala and then supported towards transport, and funds for their investigations and upkeep for the duration of their stay in hospital.

According to the HAU Chief Executive Director Dr Eddie Mwebesa, cervical cancer patients make up a large number of those on the HAU programme and this is the most common cancer seen among women referred for Palliative Care at Hospice.

"The Road to Care Prgoramme has proven very important. We are delighted that six of our patients are to be treated in Naoiribi. While it is a small number in the bigger scheme of things we are delighted that they have been given hope."

Two of the 6 patients started treatment three weeks ago and are doing well, he said.