Building Compassionate Palliative Care Communities for UHC

Description

This session explores how community-driven palliative care models are essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage. As health systems focus on access and affordability, compassionate care at the community level remains the missing link—especially for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Dr. Hellena Musau will unpack the role of integrated palliative care in strengthening UHC, highlighting practical approaches to community engagement, early palliative care integration, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Drawing from clinical oncology and palliative care practice, the session will demonstrate how compassionate communities improve quality of life, reduce unnecessary hospital burden, and ensure dignity in care across the continuum.

Objectives

Presenters

1. Dr. Helena Musau
   Radiation/Clinical Oncologist and Palliative care specialist. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Radiation Oncology program. She is a member of various Ministry of Health technical working groups aimed at improving access to cancer care in Kenya. Dr Helena is the first recipient of the Leadership Program of Women in Oncology by the City Cancer Challenge Foundation and ASCO. She serves in the International Education Steering Group at ASCO and is a member of the Public Policy Committee at ESMO.
   Consultant Clinical Oncologist