Words from Tanzania

We just concluded the last of three palliative care seminars in March here in Tanzania as part of a Twinning Center project (PEPFAR) with the ELCT Pare Diocese and the SEIA Synod.

The participants were health care workers in the districts of Mwanga and Same, and the facilitators were varied, 3 different teams from Iowa and Dr. Amini Mshighwa, the diocese medical secretary and Rev. Joas Mpinda, the lead HIV/AIDS counselor for the diocese.

The curriculum used was from the African Palliative Care Association. Our facilitator teams from Iowa included doctors, social workers, pastors, health care administrators, nurses and laboratory technicians. They ably studied the materials and presented the powerpoint presentations extremely well, and used other presentation aids and methods such as good ole flip charts, role playing and small group discussions.

I (Todd) helped in the logistics and coordination areas, making sure everyone was happy, that they were supplied with plenty of food and drink, pens, paper and accommodation and transport funds. We were able to construct our own flip chart stand and large projector screen, and the facilitators supplied the laptop and LCD projector.

Palliative care is somewhat of a new thing in this country, but we are finding that it is quickly accepted and understood. In the past, persons with long term illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDs were left in their homes to suffer all the pain, isolation and dehumanizing effects of having a debilitating disease. The plans are to continue into a second year with palliative care in the Pare Diocese, expanding the knowledge and base of trained personnel into the community through 10 new support and care centers. We see this as a challenge, but one that is worthwhile.