Sound policy is the foundation for accessible, sustainable palliative care. APCA works with governments and regional bodies to develop and strengthen national policies, standards and regulatory frameworks that integrate palliative care into health systems across Africa.
Our policy work focuses on:
- Supporting the development and adoption of national palliative care policies and strategies
- Advocating for the inclusion of palliative care in Universal Health Coverage packages
- Working with regulators to improve access to essential palliative care medicines, including oral morphine
- Strengthening health information systems to track and monitor palliative care service delivery
- Engaging policy makers and government departments to prioritise palliative care financing
Between 2011 and 2020, APCA oriented 63 policy makers on palliative care, supported 113 advocates to push for the inclusion of palliative care within Universal Health Coverage, helped 9 countries develop national palliative care policies, and supported 7 countries to establish morphine reconstitution sites.
Guided by its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, APCA continues to work with governments across Africa to strengthen national policies, financing and regulatory environments so that palliative care is recognised and resourced as an essential part of health systems.