HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Baltimore, Maryland, USA or Virtually from your home or work.
Kenyangi Sofia Safina, Speaker at Oncology Conference
African Cancer Control Alliance, Uganda

Abstract:

Introduction: Difficulties in accessing appropriate accommodation and transport is a well-documented as a major stress factor for cancer patients seeking care at Uganda Cancer Institute (Young, 2010). A recent assessment of the needs of cancer patients at Mbarara University Cancer Center revealed similar challenges (UCF, 2016). This limits access to cancer treatment services and negatively affects the quality of life of cancer patients. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) recommends establishment of “Hope Lodges” as a way of enabling cancer patients to access treatment who would otherwise be prevented by transport and accommodation challenges (UICC, 2014).
Methods: Five Cancer Patients hostels have been established in Kampala. The hostels provide accommodation and meals to cancer outpatients and their carers as they wait for / receive treatment at Uganda Cancer Institute. In addition, clinical navigators travel with patients from the hostels to the Uganda Cancer Institute and navigate them through different care access points. Priority is given to cancer patients who come from upcountry as they wait for laboratory results or receive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Results: About 120 patients’ and 120 carers’ beds are available each night in Kampala. Three meals are served to each patient and carer daily. Patients from up country can access cancer treatment without worrying about accommodation and meals.
Recommendations: There is need to establish more patient hostels to cater for increasing number of cancer patients in Uganda.

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